Manchester United captain insists individual awards not his priority and says Amorim change in January was needed
Bruno Fernandes has dismissed suggestions that he is focused on individual records after matching the Premier League single-season assists tally shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
The Manchester United captain registered his 20th league assist of the campaign in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest, setting up Bryan Mbeumo for United’s third goal.
Former United captain Roy Keane criticised the celebrations around the milestone, describing the moment as a “circus act” while the result was still in the balance.
Responding to the criticism, Fernandes said: “It is not something that I will ever chase.
“I know people can have different opinions about me, but they cannot say that I am not someone that looks to [help] the team and tries to make the team the most successful one.
“I will always try to win trophies and not individual accolades.”
Fernandes has also praised interim head coach Michael Carrick and said both his appointment and Ruben Amorim’s exit were necessary in January. Carrick took charge after Amorim’s dismissal and guided United to third place and Champions League qualification.
“When the change was made we were not far from what we wanted [to achieve] this season, which was the top four,” Fernandes said.
“At the same time, it was in need of change by the club for different reasons – I won’t be naming them now.”
Carrick restored Fernandes to a more advanced role, with 13 of his 20 league assists coming after Amorim’s departure.
Fernandes said: “Michael came in with a big personality but also with a lot of calmness about what he needed to do to bring the best out of the team and he did it in the best way.
“For myself it was a great end of the season. I got to really enjoy the football I was playing and most importantly, the team was getting results.”
