In the 53rd minute, Fernandes delivered a corner from the right wing, allowing Casemiro to make a diagonal header and open the scoring. In the 71st minute, the Portuguese midfielder provided a one-touch pass for Matheus Cunha, who slotted the ball with his right foot into the far corner, extending the lead to 2-1.
These were Fernandes's 15th and 16th assists in the Premier League this season. This achievement allowed him to break Beckham's previous record of 15 assists for Man Utd in a Premier League season, set in the 1999-2000 campaign. The Portuguese midfielder also reached 100 assists for Man Utd across all competitions since joining Old Trafford in 2020.
"I feel proud and more satisfied because I achieved this by assisting my teammates. Bringing them joy is also wonderful," the 31-year-old midfielder said after the match. "When playing in my position, I always try to help them score and enjoy that moment."
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Casemiro celebrates the opening goal with Bruno Fernandes in Man Utd's 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom, during Premier League matchday 30 on 15/3. Photo: Sportimage
Fernandes has individually contributed 23 points to Man Utd in the Premier League this season, a tally surpassed only by three peak seasons in the club's history: Robin van Persie (2012-2013), Cantona (1993-1994), and Cristiano Ronaldo (2007-2008).
With eight Premier League matches remaining, Fernandes still has an opportunity to aim for the record of 20 assists in a single season, a feat currently co-held by Thierry Henry (2002-2003) and Kevin De Bruyne (2019-2020).
The Portuguese midfielder views surpassing Beckham as a special milestone but emphasizes that individual achievements will not alter his primary goal: to continue contributing goals and assists to help Man Utd secure positive results for the remainder of the season.
In summer 2025, Fernandes rejected a salary three times higher from Al Hilal, amounting to 28 million USD after tax per year, choosing to remain at Man Utd with the desire to continue playing at the highest level. However, the Saudi Pro League club is reportedly set to continue pursuing the Portuguese midfielder after the World Cup 2026.
Fernandes currently has a contract with Man Utd until 2027, but the agreement reportedly includes a release clause valued at approximately 75 million USD.
Coach Michael Carrick affirmed Fernandes is an untouchable player at Old Trafford. "Regarding the club's long-term plans, it's difficult for me to delve too deeply into that," he stated. "But Bruno is certainly not a player we want to lose. The summer and what happens after that is hard to say, but clearly he is very important to the team and someone we definitely do not want to let go."
The 3-1 victory over Aston Villa solidified Man Utd's third-place position with 54 points and reduced the gap with Man City to seven points. In their next match, Fernandes and his teammates will visit Bournemouth on the evening of 20/3.
Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Manutd.com)
