Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes etched his name into Premier League history on Sunday, setting a new single-season assists record before finding the net himself in a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. The Portuguese playmaker delivered a masterclass as the Red Devils closed out their campaign in style.
Entering the final day of the 2025/26 season, Fernandes needed just one assist to surpass the previous benchmark of 20 set by Kevin De Bruyne in 2019/20. He duly obliged in the first half, threading a perfectly weighted through-ball for a teammate to finish, clinching the outright record with his 21st assist of the league term.
The milestone assist underscored a transformative year for the 31-year-old, who has been the creative heartbeat of Erik ten Hag’s side. His vision and execution have consistently unlocked stubborn defenses, elevating United into contention for major honors. No player in the division has created more chances from open play this season.
But Fernandes was not done. With the game already 2-0 thanks to earlier strikes, he added a personal gloss in the second half. A swift counter-attack saw the ball break to him on the edge of the area, and he unleashed a trademark low drive into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. It was his 15th league goal of a prolific campaign.
The victory ensured Manchester United finished the season in second place, securing automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League group stage. While the title had long since been decided, the result provided a satisfying conclusion to a campaign that saw consistent progress under the Dutch manager.
For Brighton, the defeat meant they ended the season in mid-table, unable to replicate the heroics of previous years. Roberto De Zerbi’s side struggled to cope with United’s intensity and were ultimately overpowered by a team firing on all cylinders. The Seagulls will need to regroup over the summer to push back toward European qualification.
Fernandes’ record-breaking feat has solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League’s all-time great midfielders. Since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, he has been directly involved in over 100 league goals, a staggering return for a player in his position. Sunday’s performance was a fitting capstone to an individual season of relentless excellence.
The captain’s influence extends beyond statistics. His leadership and relentless pressing set the tone for United’s high-octane style. Young players like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have flourished alongside him, feeding off his energy and benefiting from his unselfish creativity. Ten Hag will build his future plans around the talismanic No. 8.
The assist record itself is likely to stand as a benchmark for years to come. Only a handful of players have ever registered 20 assists in a Premier League season, and Fernandes’ tally of 21 reflects both his durability—playing in every league match—and his refined understanding with a dynamic forward line. Comparisons with legends like Thierry Henry and Cesc Fàbregas are inevitable.
As the final whistle blew at the Amex, the travelling United supporters serenaded their hero. Fernandes responded with a wave and a broad smile, acknowledging a moment that will define his career. In the post-match press conference, though he did not speak directly, the sense of achievement was palpable among the coaching staff.
Looking ahead, the challenge now is to translate individual accolades into collective silverware. United have not won the Premier League since 2013, and while this season’s second-place finish marks improvement, the ultimate prize remains elusive. Fernandes will be crucial in that quest, as the club aims to strengthen the squad over the summer.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.