Fernandes breaks Premier League assist record against Brighton | OneFootball

Ollie Whitmore, Chief football news reporter

Bruno Fernandes has broken the assist record for a single Premier league season, with his 21st setting up Patrick Dorgu to put Manchester United in front against Brighton.

The Portuguese international has edged past the joint-record previously held by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and former Manchester City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne on the final day of the season at the Amex Stadium.

It comes just two days after the 31-year-old was named as the top flight’s Player of the Season, having also scooped the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year after a brilliant season leading United back to the Champions League.

“Everyone knew that it was important that I could get another assist at least,” Fernandes told Sky Sports after the 3-2 win over Nottingham 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, 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.”

Starting 35 league games this season, Fernandes has been at the centre of Michael Carrick’s successful audition for the role of full-time manager and is the first Untied player to win the award since 2011 when Nemanja Vidić lifted his final title with United.

Fernandes has created the most chances (132) of any Premier League player this season to add to his highly impressive assist haul.

Carrick signed a two-year contract to keep him at the club on a permanent basis until 2028, with the option of a further year, after he led the club back to the promised land of European football and has Fernandes to thank for his standout performances.