Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes capped a remarkable individual season by breaking the Premier League’s single-season assist record as Manchester United closed their campaign with an impressive victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in Premier League action.
The Portuguese playmaker, who had already collected the Premier League Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Player of the Year awards, produced another decisive display as Michael Carrick celebrated his first match since being confirmed permanently as United manager with a statement win away from home.
Fernandes officially became the outright holder of the Premier League assist record for a single season after delivering the corner that led to Patrick Dorgu’s opener. The assist moved him ahead of former record holders Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
United’s attacking display continued when a slick combination involving Amad Diallo and Mason Mount created a second goal for Bryan Mbeumo.
Fernandes then added a goal of his own early in the second half, drilling home United’s third as the visitors completed a dominant performance.
The victory marked Carrick’s 12th win in 17 matches since taking charge in January, a run that has transformed Manchester United’s season and secured their return to the UEFA Champions League after a two-year absence.
For Brighton, the defeat brought a disappointing end to hopes of securing a higher European finish. However, results elsewhere confirmed the Seagulls would still qualify for next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League after finishing eighth.
Carrick’s impact since replacing Ruben Amorim has been significant, with the former midfielder restoring stability and consistency at Old Trafford. His willingness to trust younger players, adjust tactical systems and improve results quickly convinced the club’s hierarchy to hand him the role permanently.
Attention now turns to the summer transfer window, where United are expected to strengthen key areas of the squad ahead of a demanding campaign involving domestic and European competitions.
Reports continue to link the club with midfield reinforcements, including Elliot Anderson, Ederson of Atalanta, and Mateus Fernandes following West Ham’s relegation.
But on a day dominated by Fernandes’ brilliance, the spotlight firmly belonged to the United captain once again as he led the club back among Europe’s elite.
