Bruno Fernandes Equals Premier League Assist Record in Manchester United Win

• Bruno Fernandes matched the Premier League single-season assist record during Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.
• The United captain registered his 20th assist of the campaign with a cross finished by Bryan Mbeumo.
• Fernandes now shares the record with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne heading into the final game of the season.

Bruno Fernandes etched his name into Premier League history on Sunday after equalling the record for the most assists in a single season during Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United captain delivered his landmark 20th assist of the campaign in the 76th minute when Bryan Mbeumo converted Fernandes’ dangerous cross across the box.

That contribution moved the Portuguese midfielder level with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who set the mark in 2002-03, and Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who matched it during the 2019-20 season.

Fernandes looked capable of breaking the record outright before full-time as United pushed forward repeatedly in search of more goals, but Forest survived through a mixture of desperate defending and the woodwork denying the home side.

Speaking after the match, Fernandes admitted the achievement had become a clear target among his teammates.

“Everyone knew that it was important that I could get another assist at least,” he told Sky Sports.

“They’ve been trying everything they can to score from my passes.”

“There were probably moments today when I should have passed instead of shot. I’m very happy for the assist, but more than that, I’m happy for the win and to finish the season on a high.”

The record has reignited debate around the changing nature of creative statistics in modern football.

Only 10 of Fernandes’ 20 assists this season have come from open play, with the rest arriving through set pieces and dead-ball situations. By comparison, Henry produced 18 open-play assists during his record-setting campaign, while De Bruyne recorded 17.

Even so, Fernandes’ influence on Manchester United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick has been undeniable.

The 31-year-old has delivered consistently throughout the season and recently added another major individual honour after being named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for 2026.

Fernandes narrowly edged Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice in the voting, receiving 45 percent of ballots cast by members of the English football media. He became the first Manchester United player to win the award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.

Interestingly, Fernandes had already believed he matched the assist record earlier this month during United’s win over Liverpool.

His header into the box eventually led to Benjamin Sesko scoring, but because Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman managed to get a touch on the ball before the finish, official statistics provider Opta ruled out the assist despite Fantasy Premier League awarding Fernandes the points.

Now, however, there is no dispute.

Fernandes officially stands alongside two of the Premier League’s greatest creators and still has one final opportunity to claim the record outright.

Manchester United finish their season away at Brighton next weekend, where Fernandes could become the outright holder of one of the Premier League’s most prestigious attacking records.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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