Bruno Fernandes ‘has carried Manchester United’ as star equals Cristiano Ronaldo and nears elite Premier League record

Bruno Fernandes made history with his assist in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Brentford.

The Red Devils captain set up Benjamin Sesko to double their lead at Old Trafford on Monday night.

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It followed Casemiro’s opener for Michael Carrick’s side earlier in the first half.

Fernandes collected the ball inside his own half before driving up the pitch and into the Bees box.

His pass then teed up Sesko to score as Fernandes registered his 70th Premier League assist for United.

The result has further strengthened United’s grip on a Champions League spot as the season nears its conclusion.

With four matches remaining, they are third in the table with 11 points separating them from sixth place Brighton.

History beckons

Having also score 70 league goals for the club, Fernandes now has 140 goal contributions to his name in the competition.

As a result, the Portuguese midfielder has drawn level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for United.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 103 goals and provided 37 assists in 236 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils.

Fernandes could still make more history before the end of the season.

His latest assist is his 19th in the Premier League this term, leaving the 31-year-old just one short of equalling the single season record.

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Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne both previously provided 20 assists during the 2002/03 and 2019/20 campaigns, respectively.

Fernandes has four matches remaining this term to either equal or surpass their shared record.

Fernandes has ‘carried the club’

His importance to United is not lost on former captain Steve Bruce following Fernandes’ heroics against Brentford.

Reacting to his performance live on commentary at Old Trafford: “There’s been this debate about him over the years… I have to say he’s been the outstanding player for Man United for the last four or five years.

“Absolutely, there’s times he’s carried this club along which is a big big weight on your shoulders. But he never disappoints.

“He gives everything he’s got. He plays every week. I know we can be a little bit sensitive at times, we all can, but he produces.”

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Since joining United in January 2020, Fernandes has scored 106 goals and added 106 assists in 323 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, he has won both the FA Cup and League Cup with the Red Devils.