Bruno Fernandes has equalled the Premier League's single-season assist record with 20 deliveries, matching the legendary tallies of Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. The Manchester United captain set up Bryan Mbeumo during Sunday's 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest to reach the historic milestone, and now has one final opportunity to claim the record outright when United face Brighton on the final day of the season.
Fernandes admitted the pursuit of the record weighed on his mind after failing to register a goal contribution in his previous two matches. "I'm very proud," the 29-year-old said following the Forest triumph. "We're speaking about Thierry and Kevin, two of the main names of the Premier League, and for me I'm very grateful and very happy to do it. It's a very proud moment." The Portuguese playmaker's achievement comes after being crowned FWA Footballer of the Year, cementing an exceptional campaign where he has shattered his previous personal bests in the English top flight.
One Assist Away From History
With the final match against Brighton looming, Fernandes has the chance to move to 21 assists and hold the record exclusively. However, the midfielder emphasised his contentment regardless of whether he reaches that target. "Hopefully it can happen," he explained. "But if it doesn't happen, I'm already very happy because I've never done 20 assists in the Premier League. I've never done 19 either, so even if I had finished with 19, I would be very happy."
Despite the individual recognition, Fernandes was keen to credit his team-mates for their role in his success. He highlighted that without clinical finishing from players like Mbeumo, the record would remain beyond reach. "I'm very grateful to see their reaction more than mine because I wanted Bryan to celebrate his goal," he stated. "At the end of the day, scoring the goal is the biggest thing in football. These records only come if your team-mates do the things right as you do." This season has seen Fernandes cement his status as the Premier League's ultimate creator, and a 21st assist at the Amex Stadium would etch his name permanently into the competition's history books.
