Fernandes ‘Proud’ to Equal Premier League Assists Record

BRUNO Fernandes expressed his pride in matching the Premier League assists record, which is jointly held by renowned names Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, and is now aiming for the top of the charts.

The 31-year-old played a crucial role in helping Michael Carrick’s manne secure third place by assisting Bryan Mbeumo for United’s third goal during their 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The Portuguese midfielder has become only the third player to achieve 20 assists in a Premier League season, joining the ranks of Arsenal legend Henry (2002-03) and Manchester City’s De Bruyne (2019-20) in an elite group.

Fernandes stated on the Old Trafford sidelines: “Obviously, I’m very proud.

“We’re talking about Thierry and Kevin, two of the standout players in the Premier League, and I’m incredibly grateful and happy to achieve this. It’s a very proud moment for me.”

Named United’s Player of the Year for a remarkable fifth time, Fernandes now has the chance to reach 21 assists in this Sunday’s season finale at Brighton.

He remarked: “Let’s see. It doesn’t alter my gameplay, so I will continue to create opportunities for my team, and I hope that it can happen. But even if it doesn’t, I’m very content as I’ve never achieved 20 assists in the Premier League before. I’ve never reached 19 either, so finishing with 19 would still leave me very happy.”

The United captain was surrounded by teammates when Mbeumo converted his cross in the 76th minute, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens joining every outfield player in celebrating a record that Fernandes admits he only began to consider after achieving his 19th assist.

Fernandes added: “I’m more grateful to witness their reaction than my own because I wanted Bryan to celebrate his goal. I didn’t want it to be about me, because at the end of the day, scoring the goal is what truly matters in football.”