Bruno Fernandes on-course to challenge Premier League assist record, as Marco Silva fumes over United defeat | OneFootball

Fernandes was vital again for United (Getty Images)

Manchester United made it three wins in a row under interim manager Michael Carrick on Sunday against Fulham, with captain Bruno Fernandes once again pivotal in the 3-2 victory over Marco Silva’s side.

United blew a 2-0 lead on 85 minutes to end up level at 2-2 in stoppage time, only for a wonderful feint and cross by Fernandes to lay on a dramatic winner for Benjamin Sesko. Portugal man Fernandes had earlier provided the set-piece delivery from which veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro opened the scoring.

Fernandes is now on 12 assists for the season in the Premier League, five ahead of second-place Rayan Cherki, who has earned rave reviews at rivals Manchester City. The all-time record for assists in a single season stands at 20, which is shared by Thierry Henry of Arsenal (2002-03) and Kevin de Bruyne (2019-20) of Manchester City.

So how likely is it that Fernandes challenges the record? Based on his seasonal tally of 12 assists from 21 matches, should Fernandes maintain such a ratio for the last rounds – he would end the campaign with another eight assists, therefore reaching 20 and equalling the record.

However, if we take Fernandes’ form over the last 14 matches – he has averaged 0.86 assist per game. Maintaining such a consistent output for the next 14 showings would see the former Sporting man end on 24 assists, which would comfortably set a new record. Remaining so prolific in creation is a big ask, but if one man can threaten the record books it is the United skipper.

A Manchester United player has never topped the category at the end of a Premier League season.

Silva left frustrated by VAR interference

United’s latest victory was tough on Fulham, who gave a typically competitive performance at Old Trafford. Much of the pre-match media coverage focused on a narrative that United would be tested by a more defensive opponent after recent wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, but United boss Carrick always warned such a notion was a false premise given the ambition Fulham play with.

And so it proved. Silva’s Cottagers ended up with 58% possession against United – more than Arsenal recorded when hosting the Red Devils at the Emirates Stadium last week. Fulham made the match uncomfortable for United and despite going 2-0 down to goals in each half by Casemiro and Cunha, the visitors rallied through ex-Benfica man Raúl Jiménez’ penalty (85’) and a wonderful solo goal from substitute Kevin in the 91st minute.

Sesko’s 93rd-minute winner, wonderfully orchestrated by Fernandes, broke Fulham hearts, but Silva was more irritated by United’s opener. Referee John Brooks initially gave a penalty for a foul by Jorge Cuenca, who slid in on Matheus Cunha, but after VAR insisted the Fulham defender got the ball, it was determined there was a shirt pull outside the area and a free-kick was given, from which Fernandes teed up Casemiro to head United in front.

Silva was irritated by VAR (Getty Images)

“Emotional game, good game of football with different moments,” Silva said during his post-match press conference. “I really liked the way we built our offensive moments. Man United tried to press us high, but we were always able to break that pressure and being brave with quality and good dynamic to break it was impressive, very good from us I have to say.

“They scored in a moment that is difficult to talk about. We have to defend [the free-kick] much better, but the reason the free-kick was there? My God. Second half, different story. We took control of the game. We switched off for one moment and what a goal by Matheus [Cunha] and we concede a second.

“But what a way the team reacted! Great way we reacted. We pushed Man United back completely. We saw the last 25 minutes, Man United winning 2-0 at home defending their box. Even so, we created some good moments. We scored two, had a disallowed goal. Then a tough moment for us, good goal for United.

“But it’s the ambition of this team. Probably we needed to be more mature after we scored and close the space a bit more. Bruno made a big assist, they scored. It’s tough. I believe we deserved much more, football is like that. Great performance from us, our second half was incredible.

“The first goal? The penalty was given. Bad, bad, bad decision from John Brooks. The penalty was given for the tackle, clearly. The pull that they found after was 3-4 seconds before the penalty was given. It was a really bad decision from John Brooks because it was [a tackle] on the ball and it went for a corner.

“The feedback we got on the touchline that moment was that John Brooks would go to the screen because VAR opinion was it was not a penalty. Then comes a completely different decision and they give a free-kick for a pull. It’s the first time this season that a penalty was given and VAR decided to give something for completely different incident with a free-kick.

“It’s the first time we have all seen that. This season, last season, two seasons ago. Let’s see if it will come more in the future.”

By Sean Gillen