Bruno Fernandes claims Premier League assist record outright after passing Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes has claimed the Premier League’s assist record outright after making his 21st goal of the season on the final day of the season against Brighton.

The Portuguese set up Patrick Dorgu, taking him beyond Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, who he was level with previously on 20.

Fernandes sent in an outswinging corner in the 33rd minute with Dorgu smashing home a header off the woodwork. United players, including Dorgu, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez immediately mobbed the Portuguese international, patting him on the head.

United’s away fans sang his name and Michael Carrick’s side added a second before half-time to go 2-0 up thanks to Mbeumo.

The Portuguese midfielder has enjoyed a fine season, earning him the Premier League Footballer of the Year and the FWA Footballer of the Year, beating Declan Rice and others after leading United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick.

Fernandes equalled the record previously by setting up Mbeumo with a cross from the right against Nottingham Forest, which took him past Mesut Ozil.

While Fernandes moved to 19 assists this term after teeing up Benjamin Sesko in United's 2-1 win against Brentford, but he was forced to wait for his 20th until today after being denied an assist against Liverpool due to a deflection before the Slovenian striker converted once more.

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Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu celebrates scoring their first goal with Bruno Fernandes who breaks the Premier League record for assists in a season (Reuters)

“Everyone knew that it was important that I could get another assist at least,” Fernandes told Sky Sports after the 3-2 win over Forest. “They have been trying all they can to score from my passes. I am very happy for the assist, but more than that, I am very happy for the win and to finish the season [at home] on a high.

“It’s a privilege and a pleasure for me [to win individual awards], I won’t hide from that. I want collective awards more than anything but knowing that your job is being recognised by many people, to be player of the season, I’m very grateful for it.”