Bruno Fernandes breaks record as Man Utd drop Brighton into Conference League

Brighton were forced to settle for a place in the Conference League after Manchester United marked Michael Carrick’s first match as permanent manager with a thumping 3-0 success and a record for Bruno Fernandes.

Albion began the final day in pole position for a Europa League place but with the potential to qualify for any of the three European competitions, or miss out altogether.

United captain Fernandes set up Patrick Dorgu’s opener to claim the outright Premier League assist record with a tally of 21, before Bryan Mbeumo doubled the lead in the closing minutes of the first half.

In a league of his own.

Bruno Fernandes breaks the record for the most assists in a Premier League season! pic.twitter.com/f4bDg5O5WW

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 24, 2026

Fernandes, whose assist moved him clear of Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry’s previous record, further celebrated being crowned Premier League player of the season by scoring the visitors’ third early in the second period.

Brighton offered little during a deflating end to the season and must be content with playing in European club football’s tertiary competition next term, having slipped to eighth place below Sunderland.

Carrick, meanwhile, will turn his attention to bolstering his squad for Champions League football after reviving United’s fortunes with 12 wins from 17 top-flight games following the turbulent tenure of Ruben Amorim.

While his third-placed side had little to play for, Carrick, who signed a two-year contract on Friday, insisted his players would not be on the beach during a sweltering visit to the south coast.

The former Red Devils midfielder made three changes following last weekend’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest and watched his side take