Bruno Fernandes breaks assist record as Michael Carrick enjoys first match as Manchester United permanent manager

Manchester United began Michael Carrick’s first match as permanent manager with a 3-0 win over Brighton. The result secured a place in the Conference League for United and featured a Premier League record for Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes provided an assist for Patrick Dorgu’s opener, reaching 21 assists to claim the outright Premier League assist record. Bryan Mbeumo doubled the lead before halftime. Fernandes then scored early in the second period, celebrating being crowned Premier League player of the season. Brighton offered little in a disappointing end to the season and finished eighth, slipping below Sunderland. Carrick, who signed a two-year contract, said his players would not be on holiday despite the trip to the south coast.

"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. 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 control of the contest in the latter stages of a largely uneventful first half. Fernandes enjoyed a landmark moment in the 33rd minute, delivering an outswinging corner from the right for the recalled Dorgu to escape Jack Hinshelwood and head home via the underside of the crossbar. The visitors swiftly doubled their advantage with the game's second attempt on target."

Read at Irish Independent