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'Cocky'Man Utd star has blown away Thierry Henry with display vs Aston Villa

Bruno Fernandes was strutting around Old Trafford and dictating the game as Manchester United beat Aston Villa.

After the 3-1 win over Aston Villa, Manchester United fans overwhelmingly voted for Bruno Fernandes as the Man of the Match.

Fernandes broke David Beckham’s assist record by setting up Casemiro and Matheus Cunha to score, meaning he now has 16 assists in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The Portuguese playmaker was at his sparkling best, and Thierry Henry liked what he saw from the United captain.

Manchester United v Aston Villa - Premier League

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Thierry Henry raves about Bruno Fernandes vs Aston Villa

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Henry analysed Bruno Fernandes’ performance against Villa and was impressed by his confidence.

“What I like is… yeah, be cocky. Be cocky, why not? He knows he’s good. My name for him now is ‘Braino Fernandes’ because he thinks.

“I love it. I’ve always liked him. What he’s been doing at Manchester United during difficult moments for the team is outstanding.

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“He doesn’t play football, he thinks it, and he did that so well on the weekend.”

Not only was the 31-year-old outstanding from an individual point of view, but Fernandes was coaching his teammates on the pitch to get the most out of them.

What does Bruno Fernandes have to do in 2026 to challenge for the Ballon d’Or?

Win the World Cup? Win the Premier League POTY? Break the assist record?

Bruno Fernandes Ballon d'Or Talking points graphic.

Credit: Getty Images.

Bruno Fernandes is full of confidence for Champions League run

There are eight games remaining in the Premier League season and there is plenty for United and Fernandes to play for.

Michael Carrick is targeting Champions League football and United are currently third in the table. In terms of individual feats, Fernandes is five assists away from the Premier League record in a single season.

READ MORE: David Beckham sends ‘special’ congratulations message to Bruno Fernandes for breaking Man Utd record

In United’s next eight games, there are some huge clashes against competitors for a Champions League spot, but Fernandes is in red-hot form for the final stretch of the season.

With one goal and four assists in his last three matches, Fernandes will want more games to come quick and fast.

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