Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes etched his name into Premier League history on Sunday after becoming the first player in the competition to set up more than 20 assists in a single season following United’s 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.
The Portuguese midfielder registered his 21st assist of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign when he set up teammate Patrick Dorgu for the opening goal in the 33rd minute of the encounter.
That contribution saw Fernandes surpass the long-standing record of 20 assists in one campaign jointly held by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and former Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
The milestone further underlined Fernandes’ remarkable influence on Manchester United’s resurgence this season as the Red Devils secured a return to UEFA Champions League football for the 2026/27 campaign.
Not only did he make an assist at the Amex, the Manchester United player of the season also found the back of the net when he scored United’s third after Bryan Mbeumo had already doubled the advantage earlier.
Fernandes has been the creative heartbeat of Michael Carrick’s side throughout the season, consistently producing decisive moments in crucial matches.
His latest assist and goal against Brighton added to an outstanding tally of 30-goal contributions in the league, having also scored nine goals during the campaign.
The record-breaking achievement also ensured Fernandes won the Premier League Playmaker Award for the 2025/26 season, presented to the player with the highest number of assists in the English top flight.
The 31-year-old has enjoyed arguably the finest campaign of his career since arriving at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.
While United have endured difficult moments in recent years, Fernandes has remained one of the club’s most dependable performers and this season he elevated his game to another level.
His vision, passing range, composure under pressure and leadership qualities have been instrumental in United’s push for European football.
A Remarkable Campaign Rewarded
Earlier this week, Fernandes’ sensational season was recognized with a string of major individual awards, cementing his place among the elite performers in English football.
The Portugal international was named the PFA Premier League Player of the Season after earning widespread praise from fellow professionals for his consistency and influence across the campaign.
He became the first Manchester United player to win the prestigious award since former captain Nemanja Vidic claimed it in 2011.
Fernandes also secured the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award, voted for by more than 900 football journalists across the United Kingdom.
At club level, he completed a clean sweep of Manchester United’s major honours after being voted the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year by supporters for a fifth time, further demonstrating his popularity among the Old Trafford faithful.
His teammates equally acknowledged his immense contribution by naming him the Manchester United Players’ Player of the Year.
The awards cap what has been a historic individual campaign for Fernandes, whose leadership and creativity have inspired Manchester United back into contention among Europe’s elite clubs.
With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford next season, Fernandes is expected to remain central to United’s ambitions as they seek to build on the momentum generated during an impressive 2025/26 season.
Having now broken one of the Premier League’s most difficult records, the Portuguese maestro has firmly established himself among the greatest playmakers in the history of the competition.
Bruno Fernandes will now turn attention to preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Portugal with many tipping them as favourites to claim the world title from Argentina.
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