Bruno Fernandes has made history by becoming the third player to reach 20 assists in a single Premier League season. He achieved this feat during his team's 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. He's now level with Thierry Henry, who set the record in the 2002-03 season, and Kevin De Bruyne, who equalled it in the 2019-20 season. Fernandes won't stop here, as he's got one game left to play. He's got the chance to break the record outright and become the sole holder of the title.
Fernandes has been instrumental in Manchester United's attacking play this season. He's provided his teammates with numerous goalscoring opportunities through his creativity, vision, and passing range. With one game left to play, he's got the chance to break the record outright. If he manages to repeat this season's tally of 20 assists in the 2026-27 season, he could enter the top 10 for the most assists in Premier League history. Currently, he's got a total of 71 assists, which puts him joint-17th in the all-time chart alongside Son Heung-min.
They're both highly skilled players, and it's interesting to see how they're competing with each other.
Kevin De Bruyne, one of the players Fernandes is now tied with, had a remarkable season in 2019-20 under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. He dominated games with his passing accuracy, crossing, and chance creation. He produced one of the finest creative seasons in Premier League history. De Bruyne also had an impressive 18 assists in the 2016-17 season, during Guardiola's first season at Manchester City. His influence in Manchester City's attacking dominance under Guardiola has cemented his legacy among the competition's all-time elite midfielders.
He's widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, and it's easy to see why.
Thierry Henry, the other player Fernandes is tied with, became the first to record 20 assists in a single Premier League season back in 2002-03. What's more impressive is that Henry also scored 24 league goals that season. He showcased his reputation as one of the greatest all-round forwards the league has ever seen. Despite his outstanding performance, Arsenal lost the title to Manchester United that year. Henry's season remains one of the greatest individual seasons in Premier League history.
It's a testament to his skill and dedication as a player.
Mesut Özil came close to breaking the record in the 2015-16 season with 19 assists, 16 of which he earned in just 18 games. The German playmaker was on track to surpass Henry's tally, but eventually finished with 19 assists after Arsenal's form dipped in the latter part of the season. Mohamed Salah also had a notable season in 2024-25, recording 18 assists and scoring 27 goals as he led Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight championship under Arne Slot. Salah's a highly skilled player, and it's interesting to see how he's competing with other top players.
Cesc Fabregas has also had notable seasons, with 18 assists in the 2014-15 season, instrumental in Chelsea's title-winning campaign under Jose Mourinho. He also recorded 17 assists for Arsenal in the 2007-08 season. Frank Lampard, another Chelsea legend, had 18 assists in the 2004-05 season, helping Chelsea win the league title under José Mourinho. He also scored 17 goals that season, cementing his reputation as one of the finest midfielders of his generation. Lampard's a highly respected player, and it's easy to see why.
The race for the most assists in a Premier League season is a testament to the creativity and skill of the league's top players. As the season comes to a close, all eyes will be on Fernandes to see if he can break the record and claim the title for himself. With his current form and the final match against Brighton and Hove Albion, he certainly has the opportunity to make history. He won't give up easily, as he's got a lot to prove.
Key Facts
- Bruno Fernandes has equalled the Premier League record for most assists in a single season with 20.
- He is tied with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
- Fernandes has a total of 71 assists in the Premier League, putting him joint-17th in the all-time chart.
- Kevin De Bruyne had 20 assists in the 2019-20 season and 18 in the 2016-17 season.
- Thierry Henry scored 24 league goals and had 20 assists in the 2002-03 season.
'The record is a testament to the players' hard work and dedication to their craft,' said a Manchester United spokesperson, highlighting the significance of Fernandes' achievement. They didn't underestimate the importance of this record, and they're proud of Fernandes' achievement.
The Premier League has seen numerous talented players over the years, but the ability to consistently provide assists is a rare gift. Fernandes, De Bruyne, and Henry are among the elite who have demonstrated this skill, inspiring their teammates and entertaining fans with their creativity on the pitch. As the Premier League continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see which players emerge to challenge these records in the future. They'll have to work hard to surpass the current records, but it's not impossible.
In terms of what this means for the future of the Premier League, it's clear that the league will continue to attract top talent from around the world. The competition for places in the starting lineup will remain fierce, pushing players to perform at their best. For Manchester United, having a player like Fernandes who can consistently provide assists is a major asset, and they will be looking to build on this season's success in the years to come. They won't stop here, as they've got a lot to achieve.
As for Fernandes, he will be looking to break the record outright in the final match of the season. If he can do so, it will be a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft. With the eyes of the football world on him, he has the opportunity to make history and cement his place among the Premier League's all-time greats. He's got a lot of pressure on him, but he's ready for the challenge.
The final match of the season will be a thrilling conclusion to what has been an exciting Premier League campaign. With Fernandes looking to break the record and Manchester United pushing for a strong finish, it's sure to be an entertaining match. Fans will be on the edge of their seats as they watch to see if Fernandes can achieve this impressive feat. They won't want to miss it, as it's going to be a historic moment.
Bruno Fernandes' achievement is a testament to his skill and dedication as a player. His ability to provide assists has been a key factor in Manchester United's success this season, and he will be looking to continue this form in the years to come. With the Premier League continuing to attract top talent from around the world, it will be exciting to see how the league evolves in the future and which players emerge to challenge the records set by Fernandes, De Bruyne, and Henry. They'll have to be patient, as it's going to take time and effort to surpass these records.