Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has equalled the Premier League single-season assist record against Nottingham Forest.
The Portuguese star has enjoyed a wonderful season taking home the FWA footballer of the year already.
His low cross was turned home by Bryan Mbeumo for Manchester United’s third at Old Trafford and Fernandes’ 20th assist of the season.
That assist put him on par with Kevin de Bruyne and Theirry Henry who have also reached the same assist total.
Fernandes has added eight goals, taking his goal involvement tally up to 28 for the season.
The occasion was markeed with Fernandes being mobbed by his teammates as they were all overjoyed at he record-equalling moment.
Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League record with his 20th assist against Nottingham Forest
The Manchester United captain was mobbed by teammates as they celebrated him joining Kevin de Buryne and Thierry Henry on 20 asissts
He was mobbed by his teammates who all shared in the celebrations
It marks another milestone for the 31-year-old, who was voted FWA footballer of the year
Even goalkeeper Senne Lammens joined in, running the length of the pitch to jump on his captain.
He has been a model of consistency for a side that has endured a very up and down season under Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick.
He originally thought he had equalled the record in their 3-2 win over Liverpool earlier in the month.
His nod down was touched home by Benjamin Sesko, but the assist was taken away from Fernandes with Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman ajudged to have touched the ball into the big striker’s path.
Fernandes came close to recording a record-breaking 21st assist minutes later as Diogo Dalot smashed an effort against the post.
The Manchester United captain has certainly been searching for that record-breaking assist with Gary Neville saying he was ‘goal hanging’ in the closing stages of their win over Forest.
It wasn’t to be in his pursuit of history at Old Trafford, but he will have one more chance to take sole ownership of the record on the final day of the season at the Amex stadium against Brighton.
Fernandes started the season without an assist in the opening eight games of the season, making his feat even more impressive.
Since that run, he has not gone longer than a single game without recording a goal involvement.
Indeed, he has recorded two assists on three separate ocassions in the Premier League this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Fernandes said the whole club knew of the importance of the chance to equal the record,’ ‘Everyone knew that it was important that I could get another assists, and they have tried everything to score from my passes,’ he said.
‘There was moments today where I should have passed instead of shooting and still I am very happy for the assists but more than that I am very happy for the win and to finish the season on a high.’
He also acknowledged the praise he has received from far and wide for his performances this season, but maintained that his focus is on team achievements, ‘It is a privilege and a pleasure and I won’t hide from that.
‘I want collective awards more than anything but knowing your job is being acknowledged by many people.
‘A lot of players came out and said for them I am player of the season and I am very grateful and very happy with it.’
He also touched on the final game of the season presented him with one last chance to break the record, ‘Obviously I think got to 20 today, so lets see,’ he said.
‘I have one more game, and the manager will decide who plays, I will be happy to do it, but even if I don’t do it I am very happy with it because it is the highest number I’ve ever done.’
It is hard to imagine that Carrick would drop his captain for the final game of the season, especially with a chance to make history on the line.
The game against Brighton will add another storyline in what is sure to be a massive final day of the season.
