Bruno Fernandes has dropped credit on an influential Manchester United figure after Patrick Dorgu helped him to break the Premier League assist record this season.
The 31-year-old Manchester United captain went into the final day of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign in search of his 21st Red Devils assist in the league.
Bruno Fernandes was able to eclipse Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne for the assist record during Man Utd’s superb 3-0 win over Brighton at the Amex.
The Portugal midfielder stepped up for a corner and Fernandes’ fantastic cross was met by the devastating header of Patrick Dorgu in the first half on Sunday.
READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes’ impactful performance vs Brighton has Man Utd fans all reacting in same way
PICK your MAN OF THE MATCH for Manchester United vs Brighton!
Some impressive performances in a dominant victory…
Bruno Fernandes singles out Jonny Evans after Patrick Dorgu’s Man Utd impact against Brighton
Patrick Dorgu’s effort bounced off the inside of the woodwork and Bart Verbruggen’s failed bid to keep the header out saw the ball cross the Brighton net’s line instead.
Bruno Fernandes managed to reach his 21st Premier League assist from 35 matches, with the Red Devils star also netting in Manchester United’s victory over Brighton.
Speaking after the 3-0 Premier League win at the Amex, the Red Devils skipper hailed the influence of United first-team coach Jonny Evans in getting his assist.
Fernandes admitted that he was not convinced that Jonny Evans’ strategy to use Dorgu for the set-piece routine would pay off before it did at the Amex on Sunday.
“It’s great [breaking the assists record],” he told Sky Sports, as per BBC Sport.
“I feel very happy for that. Very proud moment, obviously it is not something I would dream or think about until I got this close.
“Today, I was lucky enough to get that. Jonny [Evans] believed more than me in that set-piece we prepared for Patrick because I was not so sure he would be able to score with his head.
“I got my assist, but the main thing is we won today and finished very strong.”
What is your message to Bruno Fernandes after he sets a NEW Premier League assist record?🔥
He's now the sole ASSIST KING in league history 🅰️x21
Bruno Fernandes on surpassing Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne for the Premier League assist record
Fernandes has had a dramatic turnaround in form in the second half of the 2025-26 campaign after Michael Carrick has been using him as Man Utd’s No 10.
The Portugal international admitted that it was “special” for him to share the Premier League assist record with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne before breaking it.
“It was already special being in their [Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne] company,” he explained.
“We are talking about two players [who] made the Premier League so great, and they were two of the greatest in the Premier League.
“My style of playing has always been the same. Creation has not been something that has changed or improved.
“The biggest difference is my teammates have scored more goals than before, and I get the credit for that.”
Fernandes has managed 13 Premier League assists in the 17 matches that United legend Michael Carrick has overseen as Red Devils head coach this season.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
