Reactions as Fernandes equals Premier League assists record
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League assist record with an impressive performance in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The Red Devils midfielder assisted Bryan Mbeumo to make it 3-1 to record his 20th assist of the season, which made him equal Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne’s record of 20 assists.
The Portuguese star has been a shining light for the Red Devils sealed a return to the Champions League under the tutelage of Michael Carrick.
He has the opportunity to overtake the duo of Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne in the last match of the season against Brighton next Sunday.
Henry recorded 20 assists in the 2002-03 while De Bruyne equalled it in the 2019-20 campaign.
Luke Shaw, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo scored for Manchester United to hand them the maximum points to seal the third position going six points clear of fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Fernandes described the 20th assist as an important milestone.
He said: “Let’s see. I got to 20 today. We have one more game. The manager decides who will play the next game.
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“I will be very happy to do it. But if I don’t, I am already happy because it is the most assists I have got in the Premier League.
“I spoke about that [record], everybody knew it was important. They’ve been trying to score from my passes. I’m very happy for the assist and for the win and to finish the season on a high.”
Michael Carrick showered praises on Fernandes for his record-equalling feat.
He said: “It’s a little bit chaotic down there on the pitch and the changing room, so we’ve not had massively much to say.
“It’s a tricky one, I think he’s dealt with it really well to be honest because from me watching on from the side, he’s going through at times and you’re thinking what’s gone through his head, you know, is he looking for a pass, is he looking just to score and is he second-guessing it?
“I think he coped with it fantastically well and to get the moment today the way he did it was a really nice moment for everybody and credit to him for that, because it’s not easy but he always puts himself behind the team and the team first and today was another one of those days even though he’s going to get the praise because it is a fantastic achievement obviously.”
In the other Premier League matches on Sunday, Brentford played out a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
Sunderland earned a shock 3-1 away win at Everton, Leeds United stunned Brighton 1-0 while Wolves and Fulham played out a 1-1 draw.
