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Bruno Fernandes One Short of Premier League Assist Record as Summer Clause Clouds His Future

His surge under Michael Carrick coincides with a €65m release clause that stays active until mid-July.

Overview

  • Fernandes, who reached 19 league assists after Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford, sits one shy of the single-season record of 20 with four matches left and could draw level against Liverpool on Sunday.
  • He has already passed David Beckham’s Manchester United single-season mark and has delivered 10 assists from set pieces this season, leaving him one off Steven Gerrard’s record of 11.
  • Under interim coach Michael Carrick, he has been told to roam into pockets in the right half-space rather than stay central, a tweak he says has opened more passing lanes.
  • Reporting from The Telegraph, cited by multiple outlets, says his contract includes a €65m clause that can be triggered in the first half of July and that he wants clear evidence of United’s ambitions before signing a new deal.
  • His long-term output — 106 goals and 106 assists in 323 United games — and praise from teammates for his leadership highlight what is at stake as Champions League qualification is viewed as a factor in his decision.