Picture: Thierry Henry reacts with classy response after Bruno Fernandes smashed his assist record

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has sent a classy message to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes after he surpassed his Premier League assist record. Undisputed assist king Fernandes officially broke the all-time Premier League record for the most assists in a single campaign after notching his 21st in the 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon. He delivered a sublime cross for Patrick Dorgu, who headed home United’s opener in the 32nd minute. Replays hinted at an own goal, as the attempt had struck the crossbar, then hit Bart Verbruggen, and rebounded into the net. However, the Premier League confirmed that the goal remains Dorgu’s and therefore the assist belongs to Fernandes. The Premier League told football.london in a statement, “It was determined a [Patrick] Dorgu goal yesterday. Initially by Opta, then no change from the Goal Accreditation Panel.” Comprised of two football experts and a PGMOL representative, the panel’s decision not to make any change has now made history for Fernandes. The Portugal international’s assist for Bryan Mbeumo in the 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest had seen him equal Kevin De Bruyne and Henry’s tally of 20. But he now stands alone as the undisputed Premier League assist king. Plaudits have since been pouring in for Fernandes, who was also named the Coca-Cola Playmaker Award winner. This follows the Premier League Player of the Season, Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, United’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year prizes. He is considered the heavy favourite to win the 2025/26 PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, which will be officially voted on by his fellow professionals and awarded in August. Henry’s message During an appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast, host Steven Bartlett showed Fernandes a message from Henry. The Frenchman said, “Please send my regards to him.” “I love him! Braino Fernandes!” Fernandes got on the scoresheet against Brighton as well, bringing his season totals to nine goals and 30 goal contributions. Featured image Steve Bardens via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!