Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is on the cusp of making Premier League history after his 19th assist of the season helped secure a 2-1 victory over Brentford...
Fernandes’ assist for Benjamin Šeško’s decisive goal at Brentford marked his 19th of the 2025/26 campaign, leaving him just one short of the Premier League single-season record jointly...
His current rate of 0.79 assists per game since his first of the season in October suggests he could finish with as many as 22, a figure that...
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is on the cusp of making Premier League history after his 19th assist of the season helped secure a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Monday, a performance that has reignited debates about his candidacy for the league’s Player of the Year award. The result also moved United to the brink of Champions League qualification, with interim manager Michael Carrick publicly backing Fernandes as a legitimate contender for the individual honor.
Fernandes Closes In on Assist Record
Fernandes’ assist for Benjamin Šeško’s decisive goal at Brentford marked his 19th of the 2025/26 campaign, leaving him just one short of the Premier League single-season record jointly held by Thierry Henry (2002/03) and Kevin De Bruyne (2019/20). With four matches remaining—including fixtures against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, teams he has already provided assists against this season—Fernandes is positioned to not only match but potentially surpass the 20-assist benchmark.
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His current rate of 0.79 assists per game since his first of the season in October suggests he could finish with as many as 22, a figure that would redefine the standards for creative midfielders in England’s top flight. The Portuguese international’s late surge has been particularly striking: he recorded his first assist of the campaign in Matchweek 8, meaning his 19 assists have come in just 24 appearances since.
Carrick: “He Should Be in the Conversation”
“Bruno should absolutely be in the mix for Player of the Year,”
Manchester United Player of the Year Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick, Manchester United interim manager
Carrick’s endorsement comes as Fernandes’ influence on United’s resurgence under his leadership has become undeniable. Since taking over as interim manager, Carrick has overseen a turnaround that has seen United climb into the top four, with Fernandes at the heart of their attacking play. The midfielder’s ability to deliver in high-stakes moments—including match-winning performances against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur—has further bolstered his case for individual recognition.
Fernandes has already become the first United player since David Beckham to record both a goal and an assist in 18 different league matches in a single season. With seven goals and 13 assists, he is the overwhelming favorite to win the Premier League’s Playmaker Award, given annually to the player with the most assists. His versatility and consistency have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s greatest attacking midfielders, with former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba even suggesting Fernandes would be a Ballon d’Or contender if he played for Manchester City.
Title Race Context Overshadows Individual Brilliance
The Player of the Year debate has been dominated by players from Arsenal and Manchester City, the two clubs still in contention for the Premier League title. Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Gabriel, alongside City’s Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo, have been the most frequently cited candidates, with their contributions directly tied to their teams’ title challenges. However, Fernandes’ performances have transcended United’s inconsistent season, making him a compelling outlier in the conversation.
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His impact is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that United’s recent upturn in form coincides almost exactly with his creative explosion. Since Carrick’s appointment, Fernandes has been the catalyst for United’s attacking play, with his partnership with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro in midfield providing the foundation for their late push for Champions League football. Casemiro, in particular, has been pivotal in defensive solidity, while Mainoo’s emergence as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder has complemented Fernandes’ creativity.
What’s Next for Fernandes and United
United’s remaining fixtures—against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, and Fulham—offer Fernandes a clear pathway to the assist record. Two of those opponents, Liverpool and Forest, have already been on the receiving end of his creativity this season, making them ideal candidates for him to reach the milestone. Should he achieve it, Fernandes would not only etch his name into Premier League history but also cement his status as one of the most influential midfielders of his generation.
Beyond the record, Fernandes’ performances have reignited discussions about United’s long-term trajectory. His leadership and consistency have been central to their late-season revival, and his ability to perform under pressure has drawn praise from pundits and former players alike. As United look to rebuild under new permanent leadership, Fernandes’ role as the team’s creative fulcrum will be crucial in determining whether they can return to the summit of English football.
For now, though, the focus remains on the immediate future. With the assist record within reach and the Player of the Year conversation gaining momentum, Fernandes has an opportunity to cap a remarkable season with both team and individual accolades. Whether he can achieve both remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his 2025/26 campaign has already secured his place among the Premier League’s elite.
