Bruno Fernandes’ hunt for assists is damaging one of his strongest abilities

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Bruno Fernandes pivoted towards chasing the Premier League assist record in the final few months of the season.

Once it became clear that Bruno Fernandes was closing in on the assist record, it became a focal point in Manchester United’s season.

Fernandes did break the assist record in the Premier League, ending the 2025/26 campaign with 21 assists and nine goals.

Now at the 2026 World Cup with Portugal, there was talk of Fernandes chasing the World Cup assist record as a supplier to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bruno Fernandes believes Portugal can win the World Cup – Do you agree?

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Bruno Fernandes focus on assists will harm his scoring

Last season, Fernandes made it clear that he was not overly focused on getting assists, but there was a concerted effort from United players to help their captain to the record.

But as a result, Fernandes only has four goals to his name in 2026, which is well below his usual standard.

At the World Cup, Fernandes has registered one assist but is yet to find the back of the net for his nation.

Bruno linked up well with Cristiano Ronaldo to get his first assist of the tournament, but United fans know that the Red Devils captain has more goals in his locker if he took more shots on himself.

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

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Bruno Fernandes’ goal record is slowing

Since joining United in 2020, Fernandes has not only been an elite creator, but also an elite goalscorer.

However, his pivot towards wanting to create has hurt his goal record, resulting in his lowest goal tally in 2025/26 since moving to Manchester.

• 2025/26: 9 goals
• 2024/25: 19 goals
• 2023/24: 15 goals
• 2022/23: 14 goals
• 2021/22: 10 goals
• 2020/21: 28 goals

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That is partially because of United crashing out of cup competitions early and only playing 40 matches last season, but Fernandes definitely sacrificed some of his goal threat to lean on being a creator.

Next season, Carrick will need Fernandes back to his goalscoring best if United are going to challenge for the Premier League title.