There have been a number of top performers since Michael Carrick took over in the Manchester United hot seat, but you'd feel pretty confident in suggesting that Bruno Fernandes has been number one. 

Although the skipper was already playing well under Ruben Amorim, despite playing much deeper than is ideal, he has gone up to new levels since reverting to his nominal number ten position under Carrick. 

In the win over Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, Fernandes provided two assists, taking his Premier League tally for the season to 16. The second, for Matheus Cunha, was an absolutely exquisite through ball that completely pierced open Unai Emery's side. 

This has lead to much discussion over the 31-year old's credentials to win the Premier League Player of the Year this season. Ahead of Brentford vs Wolves on Monday evening, there was a Monday Night Football segment on the midfielder from Sky Sports. 

When discussing the first assist, a corner for Casemiro's goal, Thierry Henry said: "What I like (is his celebration), yeah, be cocky, why not? When he wins, it's kind of okay (to be cocky). Look at that (the pass for Cunha), like 'yeah, I'm good'.  

My name is, for him now, you guys are gonna love this, is 'Braino Fernandes'. This guy THINKS, I love it. I have always liked him. What he's been doing at Man United, in some difficult moments for the team, is outstanding."

Some very nice words from a legend of Premier League football. Ironically, it is Henry's (and Kevin de Bruyne's) assist record that Fernandes is chasing down. Those two both got 20 assists in a single season, whilst the United man is currently on 16, with eight games remaining. Four to beat, five to surpass. 

Assuming that he can stay fit - which he nearly always does - this does not feel like an insurmountable target, particularly in this sort of form. A lot of the numbers depend on your teammates, and with the likes of Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in good form, it only increases his chances of equalling or breaking the record. 

In what has been a tough season for everyone, a Champions League finish, Fernandes breaking the assist record, and winning Player of the Year would be a good ending and give the fanbase plenty of optimism heading into next season. 

For the rest of the analysis from Henry and Jamie Carragher on United's magnifico, you can click here.   

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