Bruno Fernandes has made a significant mark in Premier League history, but his journey is far from over. The Manchester United captain delivered a pivotal moment in the team’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest, recording his 20th assist of the season. This achievement ties him with two iconic figures in English football.
Fernandes is now just one assist shy of breaking the record for the most assists in a single Premier League season, a record held by both Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Milestone Achieved at Old Trafford
Fernandes’ record-tying assist came in the 76th minute, when he delivered a perfectly placed low cross, which was calmly finished by Brian Mbeumo. The Old Trafford crowd erupted in celebration, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment.
In a rare display of unity, all 11 Manchester United players joined in the jubilation, with goalkeeper Senne Ramens sprinting to embrace his captain. This was more than just a goal; it was history unfolding in a packed stadium.
Chasing History
With his 20 assists, Bruno Fernandes now shares the record for the most assists in a Premier League season with:
- Thierry Henry (2002/03, Arsenal)
- Kevin De Bruyne (2019/20, Manchester City)
Crucially, Fernandes still has one match remaining in the season, providing him the opportunity to secure the top spot for himself in the upcoming game against Brighton & Hove Albion on May 24th.
Bruno Fernandes Reflects on His Achievement
In the post-match interviews, Fernandes expressed his joy, blending humor with satisfaction. He quipped about his team’s efforts, saying, “They were trying to score from my pass.” He added, “I’m very happy with the assist and the win and finishing the season on a good note.”
He acknowledged that he had opportunities to add to his assists, noting, “There may have been moments today where I should have passed instead of shot.” Despite this, his focus remains on the overall success of the team, stating, “I’m even more happy that we were able to get the win and end the season on a good note.”
Manager Michael Carrick praised Fernandes for his exceptional talent, emphasizing his ability to create opportunities and maintain awareness on the pitch: “That’s what he’s good at. He has a real talent for creating things.”
A Season of Dominance
Fernandes’ remarkable campaign reflects extraordinary creative skills, as demonstrated by his statistics:
- 132 chances created—most in the league
- 20 assists—joint Premier League record
- 21 points scored through assists—most by a single player in a season
These numbers speak to his vital role in Manchester United’s success this year.
A Defining Year in His Career
A year ago, speculation surrounding Fernandes’ future arose when interest from Al Hilal surfaced, casting doubt on his commitment to Manchester United. However, he chose to remain with the club, where his achievements include:
- Winning the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award
- Surpassing David Beckham’s record for assists in a season
- Amassing 71 assists in the Premier League for Manchester United, matching Son Heung-min
Is Bruno Fernandes One of the Greatest Creators?
Since his arrival in 2020, Fernandes has redefined creativity in the Premier League:
- 670 chances created—more than Kevin De Bruyne’s 238
- 141 total goals and assists—second only to Mohamed Salah
One Final Opportunity for Glory
As the season approaches its conclusion, Fernandes stands on the cusp of breaking a significant record. In the final match against Brighton, he has the chance to:
- Set a new single-season assist record
- Cap one of the best individual campaigns in Premier League history
- Solidify his legacy as perhaps the league’s most creative player ever
Bruno Fernandes has already achieved great things, but with one more assist, he could ascend to new heights, surpassing legends like Henry and De Bruyne in the annals of football history.
