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Roberto Martinez has commended Bruno Fernandes for delivering a record-breaking season with Manchester United.

The Portugal manager highlighted his captain’s exceptional consistency as the World Cup approaches. In an interview with The Athletic, he described Fernandes’ achievement as a historic milestone.

Fernandes produced the most outstanding individual campaign of his career, setting a new Premier League record for assists in a single season by reaching 21.

That figure moved him past Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, who had previously shared the record with 20 assists each.

The landmark was achieved on the final day of the season when his corner against Brighton was converted by Patrick Dorgu, sealing the record.

Remarkably, Fernandes did not provide his first assist until 19 October, after which he embarked on one of the most productive creative spells in Premier League history.

Martinez was full of admiration in his assessment. “In the three years that I’ve been here with the national team, his consistency levels have been incredible,” he said. “Everything that he contributes in the final third has been of the highest standard.”

He also expressed satisfaction at the widespread recognition Fernandes is now receiving. “I’m very happy that he is being acknowledged, not only by fellow players, which you can see clearly through the PFA awards, but also by the media and the Premier League as a whole,” Martinez added.

The Portugal coach placed the feat in a historical context. “Obviously, breaking that record in one season with 21 assists, surpassing Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry, creates a lasting legacy,” he stated.

The statistics further underline his importance. Fernandes also equalled Steven Gerrard’s record of 11 assists from set-pieces in a single campaign.

He now has 106 goals in 327 appearances for Manchester United, with his eight Premier League goals this season complementing his remarkable creative output.

Portugal are set to begin their World Cup journey in the coming days, with Fernandes leading the team as the reigning Premier League Player of the Season.