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Bruno Fernandes reveals admiration for Henry and De Bruyne as Man United ace nears EPL assist record
03rd May, 2026 03:13 PM
Bruno Fernandes has spoken about the prospect of joining Premier League greats Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne as the joint-top assist provider in a single season.
Heading into the clash with Liverpool on Sunday, May 3, 2026, the Portuguese international is on the precipice of history, needing only a single assist to equal the record set by the two icons.
Henry hit the 20-assist mark with Arsenal in the 2002/03 season, while Manchester City’s mercurial midfielder Kevin De Bruyne matched the feat in 2019/20.
Fernandes currently has 19 assists in the 2025/26 campaign, equalling the tally Mesut Özil achieved with Arsenal during the 2015/16 season. However, with several games remaining, pundits are predicting the Manchester United linchpin will go further and break the record—a feat he admits would be a proud milestone.
On my mind
“The record has been on my mind, I won’t lie about that. In the beginning it wasn’t, but it became a focus as I got closer. Now I am just one assist away from equalling it and two from breaking it,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports.
“When we talk about Thierry and De Bruyne, we are talking about two players who have done so much for this league. To be in that kind of company is a great feeling, and I am very proud of that.”
Despite the looming milestone, Fernandes maintained that the record has not changed his approach to the game, insisting he will not play selfishly or hunt for stats.
Changing approach?
“It’s not something that will change my game. I have always looked to pass the ball, and I don’t think anyone can criticise me for not being a team player. I will continue doing what I have always done. If we get a penalty, I will take it as normal, just as I have always done,” he explained.
The Portuguese star is expected to lead United out in the home clash against Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
Click here for the match’s preview, past meetings, and team news.
