Man Utd captain Fernandes unfazed by Keane's 'circus act' comments

Bruno Fernandes insisted he had no qualms with former Manchester United captain Roy Keane's scathing assessment of his quest for the single-season assists record. 

Fernandes notched his 20th Premier League assist of the season against Nottingham Forest last time out, putting him on the cusp of writing himself into the history books.

Should he get one more against Brighton on the final day, he would be out on his own, surpassing Thierry Henry's tally from 2002-03 and Kevin De Bruyne's in 2019-20 (both 20). 

However, Keane suggested that Fernandes looked like a "circus act" during his vocal pursuit of breaking the record, adding that the Portugal international has put an individual accolade ahead of the team's success. 

The Red Devils are, however, already assured of Champions League football next season as well as a third-placed finish, and Fernandes was unfazed about Keane's criticism. 

Asked about the former United captain's comments, Fernandes added: "It is not something that I will ever chase.

"I know people can have different opinions about me, but they cannot say that I am not someone that looks to [help] the team and tries to make the team the most successful one.

"I will always try to win trophies and not individual accolades."

For Brighton, meanwhile, a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United last weekend meant they missed out on the chance to guarantee a European place, allowing Bournemouth to swoop in and do so after their draw with Manchester City in midweek. 

Fabian Hurzeler's side are seventh in the division and three points behind Bournemouth, though they could still finish sixth, with the possibility of that being enough to secure a first campaign in the Champions League. 

Should Aston Villa win their Europa League final against Freiburg on Wednesday and finish fifth in the Premier League, then sixth place will be enough to qualify for UEFA's flagship competition.

However, Brighton must beat United on the final day and hope Bournemouth lose away at Nottingham Forest, while also relying on Liverpool to get the better of Brentford and Unai Emery's men losing to City. 

Danny Welbeck, who received the Players' Player of the Year award at Brighton, is hoping things fall into the right place for the Seagulls on the final day. 

"I think we've put in a lot of hard work throughout the season, and to be recognised by your team-mates is always very special. I am privileged for that honour," Welbeck said. 

"It's been a good season, we've still got an important game on Sunday, but let's hope it can be even better. Let's make sure we can make some incredible memories."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brighton – Danny Welbeck

In his career in English football, against no side has Welbeck scored more goals in all competitions than he has against his former side, United (eight).

It will also be his 400th Premier League appearance if he plays in this game, the 46th player to reach this milestone.

Manchester United – Bryan Mbeumo

After ending his 11-game run without a goal in the Premier League against Forest last time out, Mbeumo will be hoping to end his first season at Old Trafford on a high. 

And you would fancy him to have his say against the Seagulls. Against no side has he been involved in more Premier League goals than he has against Brighton (five goals, three assists), with these eight all coming in his last five starts against them.