- Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes enjoying record-breaking season
- Rio Ferdinand compares him to Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne
- Portuguese playmaker can eclipse pair
Rio Ferdinand has hit back at critics downplaying Bruno Fernandes’ Premier League assist record by comparing him to Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry. The Portuguese playmaker bagged his 20th assist of the season last weekend.
Fernandes assisted Bryan Mbeumo in Manchester United‘s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. That took his tally for the season to 20 assists in 34 league games.
The 31-year-old equalled De Bruyne and Henry’s joint record of assists in a single Premier League campaign. But many, including Roy Keane, have put a negative spin on the achievement.
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“Record is hard to get” – Ferdinand on Fernandes
Ferdinand has given his thoughts on Fernandes and his incredible season. The United legend explained how he is thriving in a team that pales in comparison to those that De Bruyne and Henry played in (via Rio Meets):
“He hasn’t had an Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Solskjaer, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rooney, Tevez. He ain’t had these guys. He’s had guys that are subpar to that at the time he’s been at Man United.”
Ferdinand added:
“Imagine he had a Haaland up top or an Aguero like De Bruyne had. His output would be even better.”
Henry reached 20 assists in a single season during the 2002-03 campaign. He played in a team with Denis Bergkamp and Robert Pires that won the title unbeaten the following campaign.
De Bruyne equalled that tally in the 2019-20 campaign, setting up the likes of Sergio Aguero and David Silva. Ironically, both of those players hit 20 assists during seasons in which they missed out on the title.
Ferdinand said:
“Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne were two of the best we’ve seen in that department. That record is hard to get near and he’s done that. Half of the season he was playing as a holding midfielder.”
Fernandes has the opportunity to eclipse the iconic Premier League duo when United face Brighton & Hove Albion today. If he does, it will only further cement his legacy not only as an Old Trafford great but one of the greatest playmakers in English football history.
“This is ours” – Fernandes on winning award
Fernandes has been recognised for his exploits this season and been awarded the Premier League Player of the Season. That’s much to the ire of Arsenal fans who feel someone who has won the title should have been the award winner.
The United captain sent a message to fans after claiming the honour. He wrote on X along with a video:
“This is not mine. This is yours. This is ours. From all the players, staff and everyone involved in the club, to you guys who supported us every single day of the season. Grateful for your love and support.”
Fernandes also won the FWA Player of the Year award earlier this month. He is the favourite to win the PFA Player of the Year award at the expense of Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
