January wrapped up with standout performances across the league, and now the winners are officially in.
Leading the headlines is Igor Thiago, who has been crowned Player of the Month after a red-hot run in front of goal for Brentford.
On the touchline, it’s a dream start for Michael Carrick, who picks up the Manager of the Month award shortly after stepping into the dugout at Manchester United.
Friday couldn’t have been scripted any better for the Brazilian striker. Just hours after signing a new five-year deal, Thiago was announced as January’s top player.
Five goals across the month pushed him ahead of a competitive shortlist and added another individual prize to the one he previously claimed in November.
With this latest triumph, Thiago becomes the first Brazilian in Premier League history to win the Player of the Month award more than once.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Thiago told Brentford media. “I’ve asked people at the club how many Brentford players have won this, and they told me that nobody had received this trophy before me.
“So I’m really happy to have won it two times now and I look forward to, hopefully, winning more!
“I also want to thank all of the staff and all of the players for their support and for helping me on the pitch.”
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January 2026 Player of the Month Nominees
- Yasin Ayari (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United)
- Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
- Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth)
- Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United)
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Igor Thiago (Brentford) Winner
- Harry Wilson (Fulham)
- Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)
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Over at Old Trafford, Carrick wasted no time making his presence felt. Appointed on January 13, he had only two matches before the month ended, but what a statement those games were.
Victories over rivals Manchester City and Arsenal gave United a much-needed lift after an inconsistent spell, instantly strengthening his case for the award.
“It’s nice,” Carrick said of his victory. “It shows we’ve had a good start.
“It’s not me, really. Let’s be honest, it’s not just about me, it’s about everyone. It’s about the staff, the coaching staff, the backroom staff, the players definitely.
“It shows we’ve had a good start, which is very pleasing.”
Carrick finished ahead of nominees including Chelsea’s Liam Rosenior, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, and Sean Dyche, who was dismissed by Nottingham Forest just a week after being shortlisted.
January 2026 Manager of the Month Nominees
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Michael Carrick (Manchester United) Winner
- Sean Dyche (Nottingham Forest)
- Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)
- Liam Rosenior (Chelsea)
A historic milestone for Thiago and a dream beginning for Carrick, January 2026 will be remembered as a month of statements in the Premier League.
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