Bruno Fernandes etched his name into Premier League history on the final day of the season as Manchester United beat Brighton 3-0 at the Amex Stadium, the United captain breaking the all-time Premier League assists record with his 21st of the campaign to surpass the marks set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Fernandes set up Patrick Dorgu for United’s opening goal to claim the record, before Bryan Mbeumo doubled the lead in the 44th minute and Fernandes added his own name to the scoresheet early in the second half to round off a dominant afternoon.
United finish third in the Premier League with 68 points, securing Champions League football for next season under Michael Carrick, who was confirmed as permanent manager in the week leading up to the game.
Fernandes reflects on stellar campaign
Fernandes was humble in his reaction, deflecting credit towards those who have converted his work into goals.
“It’s great. I feel very happy for that. Very proud moment, obviously it is not something I would dream or think about until I got this close. Today I was lucky enough to get that. Jonny [Evans] believed more than me in that set-piece we prepared for Patrick because I was not so sure he would be able to score with his head. I got my assist but the main thing is we won today and finished very strong.
“It was already special being in their company. We are talking about two players that made the Premier League so great, and they were two of the greatest in the Premier League. My style of playing has always been the same. Creation has not been something that has changed or improved. The biggest difference is my team-mates have scored more goals than before, and I get the credit for that.”
Fernandes hails Carrick
The announcement of Carrick as permanent manager, confirmed this week in what United hope is the stability the club has lacked since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, drew a positive response from the captain.
“Obviously it is a very important step for our club. We need stability in terms of managing and since Michael came to the club, you know how calm he is and the calmness he gives to the team, but also in the moments he needs to put pressure on us he does too. He knows the club, what it means and what it demands to be at this club. We are very excited for what is coming. We finished strong and that’s a good sign for what is coming.”
Carrick: ‘It just gives us a taste for more’
Carrick could barely conceal his satisfaction after watching his side produce one of their most complete performances of his tenure, in a game that had everything.
“I really enjoyed it. It was a test coming here for us today. The boys were fantastic. It was a real joy to watch so it was nice to finish that way. There were so many positives today. Patrick first half for his goal and playing so well, getting the young boys on the pitch for more experience, seeing the supporters behind the goal and Bruno having his day as well. I just thought for the whole group it was so positive and shows where we are at in terms of confidence and looking after each other.”
On Fernandes’ record, Carrick was full of praise about what it represents.
“It’s a fantastic thing to have. Nobody is getting away from it. It just shows his consistency and quality. He does it so often and is so creative in certain areas, it was no surprise he did it again.
“It always starts from the next day onwards. It’s never enough, it should never be enough. It doesn’t change – it just gives us a taste for more. We need more and want more as a football club and certainly as a team. It is a really good place to finish and gives us a good foundation for next season and beyond.”.
