If Bruno Fernandes is number 2, no one is number 1.

Declan Rice would be a strong contender for the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year award if Arsenal wins their first Premier League title in 22 years.

1. This is entirely understandable due to the prominence of the English midfielder in The Gunners' ranking and success in the league. However, Bruno Fernandes equally deserves this award for his significant influence and being the most impactful creative force in the competition.

Manchester United's revival is closely linked to the caliber of their number 8, since Michael Carrick worked at Old Trafford. It has been a brief period, but the Portuguese midfielder has made a substantial impact unmatched by anyone on the pitch, thanks to his outstanding performances in matches against Manchester City and Liverpool.

Moreover, the performance and importance of the 32-year-old midfielder to Manchester United make the race for a Champions League spot next season more dramatic and unpredictable than ever.

Few players are both the leader and the problem solver for their team more than Bruno Fernandes. Statistically, the number 8 leads the league in big chances created, decisive passes, and expected assists.

With 8 goals and 16 assists, he is also the strongest candidate for the Best Creator award and has every opportunity to break the record for the most assists (20) in a Premier League season. He is also the first Manchester United player since David Beckham to both score and assist in 18 different league matches (since joining the club).

He is the team's biggest star and stands out against any opponent in both work intensity and meticulousness. The Portuguese midfielder leads Manchester United in 20 key metrics, excluding goals, including high-intensity pressing, chance creation, passes, successful tackles...

2. Bruno Fernandes is always physically and mentally prepared for battle and demands the highest standards from himself and those around him. He has carried all Manchester United's responsibilities on his shoulders since arriving in 2020, even when sharing influence upon Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford, the role of number 8 remained unshaken.

Of the Red Devils' 55 points so far, Fernandes contributed 25 points from goal-scoring or assist situations. This figure matches the points Ronaldo achieved in the 2007/08 season when the team won the domestic and European double.

With 8 matches remaining, the Portuguese midfielder could even aim for the 38 points Robin van Persie contributed from goals and assists when Manchester United last won the Premier League 13 years ago.

3. The dominance of Manchester City and Liverpool over the past 10 seasons has made winning the Player of the Season award naturally belong to championship-winning teams or at least title contenders.

But there are always exceptions, such as Michael Owen winning in 1998 when Liverpool finished 3rd in the league. Kevin Phillips won in 2000 despite Sunderland finishing 7th. The commonality is that both were top scorers.

More notably is Gareth Bale. He was not the top scorer, and Tottenham even finished 7th in 2013. However, the Welsh forward's astonishing performance convinced everyone.

In a recent Sky Sports (UK) poll, all journalists and reporters selected Bruno Fernandes as the Season's Best Player from a list of 40 players. This is not a guarantee that number 8 will be chosen, but no one doubts his potential to win this accolade.