- Bruno Fernandes equals all-time Prmier League assist record
- Another record broken in Notts Forest win
- Midfielder continues to have remarkable end to season
Manchester United wrapped up third spot on Sunday afternoon (17 May), having already secured Champions League football for next season.
An entertaining 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford was a throwback to the old times in the penultimate game of 2025/26. Questions remain around when United will announce the permanent appointment of Michael Carrick, but the afternoon really belonged to Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese midfielder capped a remarkable individual campaign by rewriting the Premier League history books with his 20th assist. Equalling Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s records shifts him into the same category as the league’s greatest providers.
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Fernandes Breaks Another Personal Record
Fernandes provided the assist for Bryan Mbeumo’s 76th-minute strike, which turned out to be the match-winner too. Moreover, he was recently crowned the FWA Footballer of the Year for his efforts on the pitch.
With one final league fixture remaining against Brighton & Hove Albion, the Red Devils captain has an opportunity to break the tie and claim sole ownership of the assist record.
Yet, it was not the only record broken by Fernandes on Sunday (17 May). According to UtdReport, Fernandes created 8 chances against Vitor Pereira’s side. This “equalled the record for the most chances created by a player in a single Premier League game this season”.
What is even more remarkable is that he beat his own record in doing so, which was set against Newcastle United in March.
Vying for More Accolades
Having also won the club’s Player of the Year award this week, Fernandes still has one personal accolade to chase domestically. It is the Premier League Player of the Year award.
It is shaping up to be a showdown with Arsenal’s Declan Rice. With just one game left to play, the final destination of the Premier League trophy could be the deciding factor. If Arsenal clinch the title, it may well tip the scales in Rice’s favour. In that instance, the United captain will have to rely on neighbours Manchester City to pull off a remarkable comeback and win the league title.
Beyond the conclusion of the domestic season, an even bigger prize awaits the United captain this summer. Fernandes will play for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup. Roberto Martinez’s side goes in as a strong contender for the top prize. Winning the illustrious trophy would elevate Fernandes’ status to a whole new level.
Should that happen, he could become a serious nominee for the Ballon d’Or later this year. If the dominoes fall in the right place, it could shape up to be a belter of a 2026 for Bruno Fernandes.
