The record that went down in history

Bruno Fernandes made Premier League history by setting the record for assists in a single season.

In the 2025–26 season, the Portuguese player racked up 21 assists, surpassing the previous record of 20, which was held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

The record was achieved when a corner taken by Fernandes was deflected into the back of the net by Patrick Dorgu. Later, the pair swapped roles, with Dorgu providing the assist for Fernandes to score one of the goals in Manchester United’s victory over Brighton.

In addition to his 21 assists, the captain finished that season with nine Premier League goals, helping United finish third and secure their return to the Champions League.

This achievement is yet another chapter in a career which, since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2020, has been marked by impressive statistics and an ever-growing influence on Manchester United’s play.

A standout player from the outset

Bruno Fernandes joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in January 2020 and quickly became one of the team’s key playmakers.

His ability to deliver decisive passes, create chances and make an impact in the opposition’s box has made him one of the most productive players in English football.

Throughout his time at the club, the Portuguese midfielder has also taken on increasing responsibilities. In 2023, he was handed the captain’s armband and became one of the leading voices in the dressing room.

This leadership took on even greater importance during a period of great instability for United, marked by inconsistent results and changes in the managerial set-up.

Even against this backdrop, Fernandes maintained a level of attacking output that placed him amongst the Premier League’s most influential players.

The figures behind his impact

The statistics help to illustrate the extent of his influence.

In the season in which he set the assist record, Fernandes created 136 chances in the Premier League, well ahead of the runner-up, Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, who recorded 78.

But his contribution has never been limited to goal-scoring assists.

In seven seasons at Manchester United, Fernandes has also scored over 100 goals in all competitions.

During that time, he helped the club win the 2023 English League Cup and the 2024 FA Cup.

He also played a key role in United’s Europa League campaigns, reaching the final in 2021 and again in 2025. In both editions, he finished as one of the competition’s top scorers.

The statistics help to define the type of player Fernandes has become: a midfielder who is constantly involved in building play, looks to quicken the pace and takes responsibility for making the decisive plays when his team needs him most.

More than just a record-breaker

The record of 21 assists has placed Fernandes in a special position in Premier League history, but his output needs to be viewed within a broader context.

The Portuguese is not just a specialist in key passes. Since arriving at United, he has also become one of the team’s key figures in creating chances, taking set-pieces and setting up goals.

His willingness to take risks is also part of his style.

Fernandes frequently looks for the through ball, tries to find his teammates between the lines and does not hesitate to take a chance when he spots an opportunity. This enables him to produce moments of great creativity, even when the match seems deadlocked.

It is precisely this combination of daring and productivity that has helped make him one of the leading players of his generation.

Ballon d’Or recognition

Fernandes’ performances have also put him on the radar for football’s most prestigious individual award.

He received his first nomination for the Ballon d’Or in 2021, following a season in which he scored 28 goals and provided 18 assists for Manchester United across all competitions.

“I’ve always made it clear to everyone that I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League.” – Bruno Fernandes

Since then, he has remained among the most prolific players in European football and cemented his status as one of the key figures for both Portugal and Manchester United.

His legacy, however, will not be defined solely by individual honours.

Fernandes himself has already made it clear that his main ambition is to take United back to the top: “This club was built to win titles. I’ve never lost sight of that. I’ve always made it clear to everyone that I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League. I’ve never said I wanted to be the best player in the Premier League. No one has ever heard me say that I wanted to break records for assists or goals, win the Player of the Season award or be better than anyone else. No. Bruno wants to see the club succeed and win titles. That’s what Bruno wants.” (Diary of a CEO)

A career built on making an impact

Bruno Fernandes’ journey at Manchester United is, above all, a story of impact.

He arrived at the club as a creative midfielder and quickly became one of the team’s key players. He became captain, won titles, collected individual awards and set an assists record that has gone down in Premier League history.

And whilst 21 assists in a single season represent an extraordinary achievement, they are only part of what defines Fernandes as a player.

His influence is evident in the number of chances created, the key passes, the goals, the set-pieces and, above all, his willingness to step up when his team needs someone to make a difference.

For a player who has built his career around creativity, there is perhaps no more fitting accolade than this: Bruno Fernandes holds the record for the most assists in a single Premier League season.

Bruno Fernandes for Manchester United