Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has done it again. After winning Manchester United's first Player of the Month award in over a year, Fernandes topped that by breaking a European record.
Making European history
Fernandes has been the main man for United this season. In the Europa League quarterfinal first leg against Lyon, Fernandes was at the center of action once again. He assisted Joshua Zirkzee's late header which gave United a lead, with a looping ball into the box.
Before this assist, Fernandes had 11 assists in the knockout rounds of the competition. He was tied with ex-Red Devil and Chelsea man, Juan Mata. With his fine pass to Zirkzee, Fernandes has become the sole holder of this record, with 12 assists in the knockout rounds.
The same Fernandes assist also gave him more of a cushion on another record he holds. He now has 45 Europa League goal involvements, which is two more than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Fernandes has always had a knack for finding the perfect pass or providing clinical final touches, but he just seems to be getting better and better.
How else can Fernandes help Manchester United?
The captain will once again look to step up in the second leg of the Europa League quarterfinals. The two sides drew 2-2 on Thursday night, so it is all to play for at Old Trafford on the 17th. Fernandes will be trying to add to his already impressive tally of 16 goal involvements in the knockout stages of the competition.
Elsewhere, Ruben Amorim might look to give Fernandes a rest at the weekend against Newcastle to preserve the captain's fitness. The Red Devils will be keen on keeping their best player fit and ready to bring the heat against Lyon again, to seal the tie.