Bruno Fernandes insists he will not alter his style of play as the Manchester United captain sits just 90 minutes away from potentially overtaking Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne in the Premier League assist record rankings.
Fernandes registered his 20th Premier League assist of the season after setting up Bryan Mbeumo during Sunday’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest, matching the totals previously achieved by Henry and De Bruyne.
With only one league game remaining — an away clash against Brighton on Sunday — Fernandes now has one final opportunity to make history.
‘[The record] doesn’t change the way I play my game,’ Fernandes said shortly after the match.
‘I will still have to create things for my team and hopefully it can happen. But if it doesn’t happen, I’m already very happy because I’ve never done 20 assists in the Premier League. I’ve never done 19 either, so even if I had finished with 19, I would be very happy.’
Although Fernandes delivered the expected media-friendly response, it was clear how much reaching the milestone mattered to both him and the squad.
After Mbeumo finished Fernandes’ cross against Forest, several team-mates rushed over to celebrate with the skipper, with even goalkeeper Senne Lammens sprinting the full length of the pitch to join in.
‘They all were aware and I think they’re all aware that I try everything I can to help them, so I’m very grateful to see their reaction,’ Fernandes said when asked by Daily Mail Sport.
‘More than mine,’ he continued, ‘because I wanted Bryan [Mbeumo] to celebrate his goal. I didn’t want to make it about myself because at the end of the day scoring the goal is the biggest thing in football.
‘All credit to Bryan because if he doesn’t put it in the back of the net, my record will not be there. So these records only come if your team-mates do the things right as you do.’
After missing the chance to equal the record in the previous 0-0 draw against Sunderland, Fernandes understood the importance of the moment. Earlier in the match, he had dropped to his knees after Mbeumo missed a huge opportunity that could have delivered the landmark assist.
‘I wouldn’t say relieved, but I’m very happy, very proud,’ Fernandes concluded.
‘When you start getting close to [the record], you start thinking a lot.
‘Obviously it comes into your mind, you know? I’m very proud. We’re speaking about Thierry and Kevin, two of the main names of the Premier League, and for me I’m very grateful and I’m very happy to achieve it. It’s a very proud moment.’
