Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes wrote his name into Premier League history on Sunday after registering his 20th assist of the season in Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese midfielder matched the long-standing single-season assist record jointly held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry, becoming only the third player in Premier League history to reach the landmark.
United made a dream start when Luke Shaw fired the hosts ahead in the 5th minute, scoring his first goal since January 2023 to spark celebrations around Old Trafford.
Forest responded after the break through Morato, who levelled for the visitors in the 53rd minute, but United restored their advantage almost immediately as Matheus Cunha found the net in the 55th minute.
The defining moment of the encounter arrived in the 76th minute when Bryan Mbeumo finished from close range after being picked out by Fernandes. The goal not only proved decisive for United, but also ended Mbeumo’s run without a goal in several matches while taking Fernandes to 20 assists for the season, equalling the Premier League record previously achieved by Henry during the 2002/03 campaign and De Bruyne in the 2019/20 season.
Morgan Gibbs-White reduced the deficit for Forest in the 78th minute to set up a tense finish, but Michael Carrick’s side held firm to secure victory in their final home game of the campaign.
Fernandes has remained one of United’s most influential players this season, combining goals with creativity while consistently delivering in key moments for the club.
Sunday’s encounter also carried emotional significance as it marked what is expected to be Casemiro’s final home appearance at Old Trafford, with the Brazilian midfielder receiving a warm reception from supporters.
