Bruno Fernandes made history by sealing the Premier League assists record on the final day of the 2025/26 season.
The Portugal international was instrumental in Manchester United’s resounding 3-0 final-day win at Brighton, setting up Patrick Dorgu’s opener in the 33rd minute, before roles were reversed to put Michael Carrick’s men 3-0 up just after the break.
Fernandes’ goal contributions were just two moments in another stunning performance that produced a match-high four chances created, 13 passes into the final third, four crosses and 46 passes completed, as well as two tackles, an interception and six recoveries on the other side of the ball.
Of course, it’s the assist for Dorgu that steals the headlines.
Bruno Fernandes seals Premier League assist record
A week ago, Fernandes provided a late assist for Bryan Mbeumo to draw level with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne on a Premier League-record 20 assists in a single season.
Now, Fernandes holds the record himself, with assist number 21 for the season coming in the first half at the Amex Stadium, courtesy of a perfect corner onto the head of the onrushing Dorgu.
The Man Utd players immediately mobbed the FWA Footballer of the Year who, alongside his 21 assists, registered nine goals to hit the 30-goal contribution mark for the first time in a Premier League campaign since his first full one with the Red Devils back in 2020/21.
That has been a key driver in Man Utd finishing third and sealing a return to the Champions League stage after a two-year absence.
Where does Bruno Fernandes stand among the Premier League’s all-time assist providers?
As mentioned, Fernandes has beaten the previous 20-assist record set by Thierry Henry in 2002/03 and Kevin De Bruyne in 2019/20. He’s also the first Manchester United player to hit 16+ assists in a single Premier League campaign since Eric Cantona in 1992/93.
Most assists in a single Premier League season
| Player (season) | Club | Assists |
| Bruno Fernandes (2025-26) | Manchester United | 21 |
| Kevin De Bruyne (2019-20) | Manchester City | 20 |
| Thierry Henry (2002-03) | Arsenal | 20 |
| Mesut Özil (2015-16) | Arsenal | 19 |
| Mohamed Salah (2024-25) | Liverpool | 18 |
| Frank Lampard (2004-05) | Chelsea | 18 |
| Kevin De Bruyne (2016-17) | Manchester City | 18 |
| Cesc Fàbregas (2014-15) | Chelsea | 18 |
| Cesc Fàbregas (2007-08) | Arsenal | 17 |
| Eric Cantona (1992-93) | Leeds United / Manchester United | 16 |
| Kevin De Bruyne (2017-18) | Manchester City | 16 |
| Kevin De Bruyne (2022-23) | Manchester City | 16 |
Fernandes still has a long way to go if he’s to join the all-time Premier League assist providers.
The 31-year-old’s total of 72 is incredibly impressive, especially in 230 appearances. However, that’s still only enough to see him 17th all time, moving one ahead of Son Heung-min and one behind ex-Red Devil Andy Cole.
Top 10 all-time Premier League assists
| Player | Club(s) | Assists |
| Ryan Giggs | Manchester United | 162 |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City | 119 |
| Cesc Fàbregas | Arsenal / Chelsea | 111 |
| Wayne Rooney | Everton / Manchester United | 103 |
| Frank Lampard | West Ham / Chelsea / Manchester City | 102 |
| Dennis Bergkamp | Arsenal | 94 |
| Mohamed Salah | Chelsea / Liverpool | 94 |
| David Silva | Manchester City | 93 |
| Steven Gerrard | Liverpool | 92 |
| James Milner | Leeds / Newcastle / Aston Villa / Man City / Liverpool / Brighton | 90 |