Bruno Fernandes moved into second place behind Mohamed Salah for total goal contributions by a Premier League player this season after netting twice in Manchester United’s Europa League semifinal first leg against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night.
The Portuguese midfielder was instrumental in United’s dominant display at San Mamés, scoring a brace that helped establish a commanding 3-0 lead in the first leg.
Casemiro opened the scoring on the half-hour mark, giving the visitors the breakthrough their pressure deserved.
Fernandes added his first just seven minutes later and completed his brace on the stroke of halftime.
With Thursday’s goals, Fernandes has now tallied 18 goals and 16 assists in all competitions this season, taking his total goal contributions to 34.
That figure places him second only to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who has registered 56 combined goals and assists across all competitions for an English club this season.
Fernandes’ performance further underscores his importance to Ruben Amorim’s side during a crucial stage of the campaign.
His creativity and leadership in midfield have been vital as United chase European silverware and aim to end the season on a high.
With the return leg set to be played at Old Trafford, United will look to capitalise on their advantage, with Fernandes again expected to be at the centre of their attacking efforts.
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, will need a remarkable turnaround to stay in contention, having struggled to contain the pace and precision of United’s attack.
