Bruno Fernandes has insisted he will not alter his playing style as the Manchester United captain prepares for the final match of the season with a chance to surpass Premier League legends Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne in the assist charts. The Portuguese playmaker provided his 20th league assist of the campaign during Sunday's thrilling 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, setting up Bryan Mbeumo from a right-wing cross.
With just 90 minutes remaining in United's season, as they travel to Brighton next week for the finale, Fernandes stands on the brink of history. The 20-assist tally equals the previous benchmarks set by Henry and De Bruyne, but the record for most assists in a single Premier League season remains within reach.
Fernandes Focused on Team, Not Personal Glory
Speaking pitchside immediately after the final whistle, Fernandes downplayed the significance of the individual milestone. "The record doesn't change the way I play my game," he stated. "I will still have to create things for my team and hopefully it can happen. But if it doesn't happen, I'm already very happy because I've never done 20 assists in the Premier League. I've never done 19 either, so even if I had finished with 19, I would be very happy."
While Fernandes delivered a characteristically diplomatic response, the excitement among his teammates told a different story. When Mbeumbo converted his cross, several United players rushed to celebrate with Fernandes, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens sprinting the length of the pitch to join the festivities.
Teammates Rally Behind Captain
"They all were aware and I think they're all aware that I try everything I can to help them, so I'm very grateful to see their reaction," Fernandes said in response to a question from Daily Mail Sport. "More than mine, because I wanted Bryan to celebrate his goal. I didn't want to make it about myself because at the end of the day scoring the goal is the biggest thing in football."
He added: "All credit to Bryan because if he doesn't put it in the back of the net, my record will not be there. So these records only come if your team-mates do the things right as you do."
The United captain had failed to draw level with Henry and De Bruyne in the previous match, a goalless draw at Sunderland, making Sunday's opportunity even more significant. Earlier in the game, Fernandes had fallen to his knees in frustration when Mbeumo missed a golden chance to provide the 20th assist.
Relief and Pride for Fernandes
"I wouldn't say relieved, but I'm very happy, very proud," Fernandes concluded. "When you start getting close to the record, you start thinking a lot. Obviously it comes into your mind, you know? I'm very proud. We're speaking about Thierry and Kevin, two of the main names of the Premier League, and for me I'm very grateful and I'm very happy to achieve it. It's a very proud moment."
Fernandes now has one final opportunity to claim the outright record when Manchester United face Brighton on the last day of the season.
