Bruno Fernandes became the Premier League’s all-time single-season assist leader after helping Manchester United to a 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Portuguese midfielder registered his record-breaking 21st assist of the campaign in the 32nd minute when his corner was headed in by Patrick Dorgu, moving him ahead of former record holders Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, who both managed 20 assists in a single Premier League season.
Fernandes, who was named Premier League Player of the Season on Saturday, celebrated with teammates after the historic moment before United extended their lead through Bryan Mbeumo.
The United captain later completed the scoring himself on a counter-attack, taking his tally to nine goals and 30 total goal involvements for the season.
“It’s great, I feel very happy for that. Very proud moment,” Fernandes told Sky Sports after the match. “It was already special being in their company. We are talking about two players that made the Premier League so great.”
Fernandes credited his teammates for helping him surpass the record, insisting his creative style had not changed despite the historic achievement.
“My style of playing has always been the same,” he said. “The biggest difference is my teammates have scored more goals than before, and I get the credit for that.”
The victory secured a third-place finish for Manchester United and sealed their return to the Champions League after a two-year absence from Europe’s top competition.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
