Gary Lineker has now shared a powerful verdict on Bruno Fernandes’ impressive 2025-26 Manchester United season after the Brighton match on Sunday.
Bruno Fernandes assisted Patrick Dorgu for Manchester United’s first-half opener against Brighton before the Portuguese midfielder netted in the second half.
The Portugal international’s impact for Man Utd against Brighton ensured that he broke the Premier League assist record on the final day of the campaign.
Fernandes secured his 21st Premier League assist in his 35th match in the 2025-26 season to put him one clear of Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne for the record.
🔴⚪️⚫️Sum up the 2025/26 season for Manchester United…
A fourth highest points tally since Sir Alex Ferguson retired!⚡️
Gary Lineker reacts to Bruno Fernandes breaking the Premier League assist record and the Man Utd star’s individual feats
Outside of the Premier League assist record, Bruno Fernandes has been able to secure several different accolades after his impressive exploits this season.
The Man Utd captain lifted a record-tying fifth Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award and was named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year.
Fernandes also scooped the Premier League Player of the Season award ahead of the likes of Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
Speaking on his podcast, Gary Lineker feels that Fernandes did more than enough in the 2025-26 Premier League season to earn the individual awards that he received.
“And we should have a quick word on Bruno because he’s also broken that assist record today as well as scoring again,” he said on The Rest Is Football.
“I mean, what an absolutely brilliant season he’s had. And I have to say, I think it’s deserved.
“I think you could easily have made a case for the three that we talked about the other day, couldn’t you, at Arsenal? Rice, Gabriel and [David] Raya.
“But I think Arsenal has been more of a team, whereas that is an individual award. And I think he probably did stand out. You could argue either way, but well done, Bruno.”
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
Alan Shearer responds to Gary Lineker’s argument around Bruno Fernandes’ Premier League feat
Alan Shearer claimed that Fernandes would not have been his main pick for the Premier League’s best player this season, but he agreed that his win was deserved.
“No, I agree with that,” he said to Lineker.
“I wouldn’t. I’m not going to argue with you. He wouldn’t have been my player of the season, but I understand all the arguments. And he’s had a brilliant season. He’s a great player.
“Mine would have been David Raya, I think, or Declan Rice. But I get it and understand it and everyone has their opinion, so I’m not going to argue for that. I understand it.”
Fernandes signed off the 2025-26 season at Old Trafford by netting nine times and registering 22 assists in 37 matches across all competitions for Manchester United.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
