In the 2025–26 season, Bruno Fernandes set the Premier League record for the most assists in a single season, with 21. The previous record of 20 was shared by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry (2002–03) and Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne (2019–20).

“Breaking the assists record is a great honour.” – Bruno Fernandes

On breaking this record, Fernandes was keen to acknowledge the great names who had achieved the feat before him: “It was already special to be alongside Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. We’re talking about two players who helped make the Premier League what it is today. Two of the greatest names the league has ever seen. So, obviously, breaking the assist record is a great honour. I’m very happy and proud.” (Sky Sports Premier League)

The achievement is all the more impressive when you consider that Fernandes spent half the season out of position, playing deeper in midfield under Rúben Amorim. It was only after the arrival of the new manager, Michael Carrick, that he returned to his natural, more advanced and creative position.

Another statistic highlights Fernandes’ ability to create chances even more clearly: he created 136 chances throughout the campaign – 58 more than Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, who came second with 78.

This figure was also the highest recorded by any player in Europe’s top five leagues since Kevin De Bruyne, who created exactly 136 chances for Manchester City in the 2019–20 season.

“I want my strikers to score goals.” – Bruno Fernandes

In total, Fernandes has now racked up over 100 assists across his seven seasons and more than 300 appearances for Manchester United.

This ability to set up his teammates also reflects the way the midfielder views football: as a collective effort, in which every player has their role – and in which the ultimate goal is always to win: “I don’t think it’s about my assists. For me, the most important thing is the players who score the goals. I want my strikers to score goals. Of course, if I can create more chances for them and make that happen more often, I’ll be very happy. Not because I’ll get an assist, but because they’ll score more goals." (Men in Blazers)

But, despite having become virtually synonymous with creating chances and providing assists, Fernandes is also a top-class finisher. The Portuguese has already scored over 100 goals for Manchester United, showing that his influence in attack goes far beyond setting up his teammates.