Premier League August 2026: Player and Manager of the Month nominees revealed
Synopsis
The Premier League's August 2026 award shortlists are out — and they tell a story of a season already full of drama. Bruno Fernandes' 28-minute hat-trick, a goalkeeper from Hull keeping a clean sheet against Man United, and Chelsea fielding two nominees in both categories make this one of the more intriguing opening-month lists in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
The Premier League announced nominees for Player and Manager of the Month for August 2026 on 3 September 2026 .
Eight players nominated include Bruno Fernandes , Cole Palmer , Joao Pedro , Rayan Cherki , Riccardo Calafiori , Mamadou Sangare , Konstantinos Tzolakis , and Yoane Wissa .
Fernandes scored a hat-trick in 28 minutes and assisted in Manchester United's 5-2 win over Ipswich Town .
Hull City features in both categories — goalkeeper Tzolakis among players and manager Sergej Jakirovic among coaches.
Manager nominees are Mikel Arteta , Xabi Alonso , Enzo Maresca , and Sergej Jakirovic .
The Premier League on Thursday, 3 September 2026 unveiled its nominees for the Player of the Month and Manager of the Month awards for August 2026, recognising standout performers from the opening two rounds of the 2026-27 season. Eight players and four managers are in contention for the monthly honours.
Player of the Month Nominees
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United is among the frontrunners after a blistering start to the campaign. The Portuguese midfielder scored a hat-trick in just 28 minutes and added an assist in United's 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, also setting up Bryan Mbuemo's 82nd-minute goal.
Arsenal left-back Riccardo Calafiori has been equally influential at both ends of the pitch. He registered two assists — one for Kai Havertz in the 3-0 win over Coventry and another for Bukayo Saka in the 1-0 victory over Aston Villa — while maintaining a strong defensive presence throughout.
Attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki has made an immediate impact at Manchester City, contributing two goals and two assists. He set up two goals in a come-from-behind win against AFC Bournemouth before netting twice against Crystal Palace.
Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer continued his prolific form, scoring twice — once each against Brighton and Fulham — and adding an assist against the Cottagers as Chelsea won both opening fixtures. Teammate Joao Pedro has also impressed, scoring twice and providing two assists. He netted in the first minute against Fulham before assisting Palmer, then scored and assisted again against Brighton, his former club.
Hull City goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis kept clean sheets in both matches, making five saves in a historic win over Manchester United and shutting out Coventry thereafter. Brentford's Mamadou Sangare has been a commanding presence in midfield, contributing one assist alongside key defensive interventions. Newcastle United's Yoane Wissa rounds out the eight nominees, having contributed a goal and an assist while operating effectively in both the No. 10 and striker roles.
Manager of the Month Nominees
Four coaches have been shortlisted for the Manager of the Month award. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Xabi Alonso (Chelsea), Enzo Maresca (Manchester City), and Sergej Jakirovic (Hull City) are all in the running after guiding their respective sides to winning starts in the new season.
Context and Significance
The nominations reflect a notably competitive opening to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign, with several clubs making strong early statements. Notably, Hull City's double representation — both Tzolakis among the players and Jakirovic among the managers — signals an impressive start for the promoted or resurgent side. Chelsea's dual nominations for Palmer and Pedro underline the club's attacking depth under Alonso.
Winners of both awards will be announced by the Premier League in the coming days, with fan voting typically forming part of the selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Premier League Player of the Month nominees for August 2026?
The eight nominees are Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Mamadou Sangare (Brentford), Konstantinos Tzolakis (Hull City), and Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United). They were shortlisted based on performances in the first two matches of the 2026-27 season.
Who are the Manager of the Month nominees for August 2026 in the Premier League?
The four nominees are Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Xabi Alonso (Chelsea), Enzo Maresca (Manchester City), and Sergej Jakirovic (Hull City). All four guided their clubs to winning starts in the new Premier League season.
Why is Bruno Fernandes a leading contender for Player of the Month?
Fernandes scored a hat-trick in just 28 minutes and assisted Bryan Mbuemo's 82nd-minute goal as Manchester United beat Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford. His direct contribution to five goals across the opening matches makes him one of the most impactful players of the month.
When will the Premier League Player and Manager of the Month winners be announced?
The Premier League has not specified an exact date, but winners are typically announced within days of the nominees being revealed. Fan voting usually forms part of the selection process alongside a panel of judges.
Why is Hull City's Konstantinos Tzolakis nominated despite playing for a smaller club?
Tzolakis kept clean sheets in both of Hull City's opening matches, making five saves in a win over Manchester United and shutting out Coventry. His performances were central to Hull's perfect start, earning him recognition alongside players from larger clubs.
