Bruno Fernandes: United ace nearing another De Bruyne landmark | OneFootball

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes is enjoying a historic season and could earn further accolades before the end of the campaign. The Portuguese maestro has already won the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award and remains in the running for the Premier League Player of the Year award.

Fernandes has been voted by his club teammates as the Players’ Player of the Year, while he has also picked up a record fifth Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award. Earlier this year, the United skipper broke David Beckham’s long-standing record for the most assists (15) in a Premier League season for the club.

Over the weekend, the 31 year old registered his 20th assist of the season in the 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. In the process, Fernandes equalled the record for the most assists in a Premier League season, previously held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. The fact that the Portuguese managed it despite playing half the season in a deeper role is what makes it all the more impressive.

Bruno Fernandes’ record-breaking season for United

Fernandes started the season as part of a midfield double pivot alongside Casemiro, in a bid to accommodate United’s new-look attack in former head coach Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. With the Red Devils investing over £200 million in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, many expected the Portuguese to take a backseat.

However, it soon became evident that Fernandes was United’s main man, even from a deeper role. The former Sporting man’s intelligence, work ethic and ability on the ball helped him adapt quickly to the new position and still influence games.

Fernandes has since revealed that playing in the pivot position helped elevate his game. The Portuguese, though, only registered his first Premier League assist of the season in the eighth game, in the 2-1 win over Liverpool.

By the end of the year, he had managed seven assists from 17 games, all while playing in the deeper position. The United skipper was briefly sidelined with a hamstring injury, and in his absence, the Red Devils parted ways with Amorim and replaced him with Michael Carrick.

After picking up his eighth assist of the season under interim manager Darren Fletcher, Fernandes hit a higher gear under Carrick. The Englishman switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation with the Portuguese in the No. 10 role.

Fernandes responded by registering 12 assists in 16 games under Carrick, all the while helping United finish third in the Premier League table and secure Champions League football. With one game left in the campaign, the Portuguese could break not one but two De Bruyne records this season.

Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Fernandes on the brink of history

According to talkSPORT, De Bruyne recorded the most big chances created in a Premier League season (33), which he achieved in the 2019/20 campaign in 35 games. The Belgian also registered his record-equalling 20 assists in the same season.

Fernandes has registered 32 big chances in the Premier League this season in 34 outings, so he will have the opportunity to break two Premier League records next weekend, when United face Brighton at the Amex. The Portuguese also registered 32 big chances in the 2022/23 campaign.

Final Thoughts

After managing just 44 goals in 38 games last season, United have significantly improved their output in the final third, plundering 66 goals in 37 games this campaign. Central to their turnaround has been an inspired Fernandes, who deserves his piece of history on the final matchday of the season.

Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images

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