Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes capped off an outstanding season by breaking the Premier League assists record outright, adding to his Player of the Year honours before also getting on the scoresheet as Michael Carrick celebrated victory in his first permanent game in charge at Brighton.
Brighton began the day with slim hopes of reaching the Champions League, but instead had to settle for a place in next season’s Uefa Conference League after Sunderland moved above them. Crucially for the Seagulls, Brentford failed to overtake them, leaving Fabian Hurzeler’s side in eighth place.
Securing European football for only the second time in the club’s history should have sparked huge celebrations, yet the reaction at full-time was subdued. Supporters waited anxiously for confirmation from Anfield before finally learning their fate, which eventually brought relief and cheers around the stadium.
Manchester United, however, had little interest in Brighton’s drama. Their travelling fans focused instead on another impressive performance under Carrick, whose side recorded a 12th win in 17 matches since he stepped in at the end of January.
When Carrick first took charge, few expected United to return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. Their strong finish to the campaign, achieved with room to spare, is the main reason the club have now handed him the role permanently.
Fernandes has played a central role in that turnaround. After matching the assists record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne against Nottingham Forest last week, the Portuguese midfielder claimed it for himself when Patrick Dorgu headed in from his first-half corner.
United’s attacking football continued to shine as a slick exchange between Amad Diallo and Mason Mount created another goal for Bryan Mbeumo.
Fernandes then completed a memorable evening by firing home United’s third goal just three minutes into the second half to crown another dominant display.
