Rooney Hails Fernandes as Premier League's Best While Naming Shaw the Season's Most-Improved

Wayne Rooney has delivered his verdicts on the Premier League's brightest performers this season, with Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes earning top billing despite a clutch of Arsenal players making compelling cases.

Fernandes capped a stellar campaign by rewriting the Premier League's assist record on Sunday, accumulating 21 across the season to surpass the longstanding benchmark of 20 jointly held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry. The accolade of Premier League Player of the Season followed shortly after, recognition that came as Fernandes steered United into a comfortable Champions League qualification position.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney made no bones about his backing for the United captain. "I am delighted for Bruno," he explained. "He has been fantastic this season. For me he's been the player of the year because of the influence he has, how driven he is and he's scored a few goals as well. He has been the heartbeat of that team."

Arsenal's maiden title triumph in 22 years might have suggested their players would dominate individual honours, yet Rooney remained convinced Fernandes deserved the nod.

In a slightly left-field selection for most-improved player, Rooney turned to Fernandes' Old Trafford colleague Luke Shaw. "I think Luke Shaw has been the most-improved player this season," he said. "I know he's an experienced player now but I think his level this season has been much better than they have been in recent seasons."

Rooney did acknowledge Kobbie Mainoo as a consideration but dismissed the notion that the midfielder had genuinely improved. "People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don't think he's improved—it was just the fact he wasn't playing under the former manager so it wasn't good or bad."

When it came to signing of the season, however, Rooney ventured beyond United's boundaries. Viktor Gyokeres earned his endorsement for the impact the Arsenal forward has delivered. "I think Viktor Gyokeres," Rooney stated. "Granit Xhaka has been brilliant for Sunderland but look at what Gyokeres has brought to Arsenal, it's exactly what they've needed. Finishing second over the last three years, I think he's given Arsenal something a bit different and that's been a big factor in them winning the Premier League."