Bruno Fernandes broke the Premier League record for assists in a single season as Manchester United defeated Brighton at the Amex Stadium on the final day.
Fernandes delivered his 21st assist of the campaign, surpassing the previous record as United impressed under newly appointed permanent manager Michael Carrick.
Patrick Dorgu opened the scoring with a towering header, meeting Fernandes’ outswinging corner to give United the lead and send the Amex into a nervous silence.
Brighton, who needed a result to secure Europa League football, found themselves relying on results elsewhere as United’s control of the match tightened throughout the afternoon.
Bryan Mbeumo doubled United’s advantage before half-time, finishing off a brilliant interchange between Fernandes and Amad Diallo that left Brighton fans heading to the concourses in frustration.
United added a third early in the second half when Fernandes converted Dorgu’s pass, with a VAR check confirming Dorgu had been onside before celebrations could fully resume.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler reacted angrily on the touchline, with James Milner mirroring that frustration as Brighton struggled to create clear opportunities against a composed United side.
Brighton players gathered in the centre circle at full-time, anxiously awaiting news from Anfield, where a Brentford result would determine whether Conference League football awaited next season.
At 6.01pm, results from Merseyside and Wearside confirmed Brighton had secured Conference League football, with players and fans finally allowing themselves to celebrate despite the defeat on the pitch.
The result marked a significant turnaround in United’s fortunes, with the club having secured third place and Champions League football following a difficult period under Ruben Amorim.
Carrick’s influence has helped revive several players, most notably Kobbie Mainoo, whose performances have earned him a place in the England squad for the summer World Cup.
Casemiro, meanwhile, has already departed for Madrid ahead of an expected move to Major League Soccer, leaving United with a midfield vacancy to address during the transfer window.
Atalanta’s Ederson has been reported as the leading candidate to fill that role, with United expected to be active in the market as they prepare for a packed schedule next season.
Teenager Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher, son of former United player Darren Fletcher, both received late cameo appearances, underlining the sense of occasion on the final day of a turbulent campaign.
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