Bruno Fernandes goes into Manchester United’s final home game with 19 Premier League assists, one short of the record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Casemiro is available again after missing the goalless draw at Sunderland with a minor issue, which gives Fernandes one last chance to finish the job with his midfield partner back in the side.

How Casemiro shapes the final push

The numbers around Fernandes’ output are already strong enough on their own. He has 19 assists in 33 Premier League appearances this season, with a 7.58 rating that backs up the idea that this is not just a burst of end product. Of those 19 assists, 6 have been for Casemiro, which is why his return matters beyond the obvious team-news angle.

[Michael Carrick] said: "Case's available. I can speak since I've been here and met him and worked with him, he's been fantastic for us, for me personally, for us as a group what he's given us." He also added: "He's fully invested, fully supported by us as a staff in the performances he's given. He's had some ups and downs over the year, to finish so strongly and see that connection with the supporters is really good to see."

Carrick’s update matters because Sunday is set to be Casemiro’s final appearance at Old Trafford, and Manchester United will want that occasion to feel like more than a farewell lap. Fernandes does not need much help to create chances, but the pair have clearly been linked in the final pass enough this season for the Brazilian’s return to sharpen the record chase.

Nottingham Forest are the opponents, and the focus will still be on Fernandes. If he gets one more assist, the record will be shared rather than chased, and United’s final home game will end with both a farewell and a piece of Premier League history on the same afternoon.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 11 outlets. How we work →