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Underestimating Chelsea? Bruno Fernandes predicts Manchester United's return to Champions League with just 3 more points! He may also break two personal records.

Following a 1-0 away triumph against Chelsea, Manchester United has taken strong control of their qualification for next season's Champions League. By winning their upcoming two home games against Brentford and Liverpool, no matter how other teams perform, United will secure a top-five position this season, marking their return to Europe's elite competition after a two-year absence. Realizing this goal in the "double-header" against fierce rivals Liverpool on May 3 would undoubtedly be a perfect moment.

With only five matches remaining, Manchester United already leads the sixth-placed team by 10 points. If Chelsea loses again next week and United wins, Carrick's team could lock in their Champions League berth even earlier. Captain Bruno Fernandes appears unconvinced about Chelsea's prospects, suggesting that United needs just three more points to return to Europe's top competition.

"I believe we only need three more points," Bruno said. "Now we have another game to play, and we must win it. We know that to secure our position, we have to keep earning points. We'll do everything possible to achieve that goal as soon as we can."

Manager Carrick commented: "Playing away at Chelsea is always tough; we've faced many challenges here over the years. The moment of winning at the end is a time worth remembering. We won't get overly excited, but we'll enjoy tonight's success."

This season, Manchester United has already defeated Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea away from home, with only Manchester City remaining unconquered. This is the first time since the 1984/85 season, something even Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure didn't accomplish. On a personal level, Bruno has achieved his 18th Premier League assist, and surpassing the single-season record of 20 assists held by De Bruyne and Henry seems almost certain.

At 31, Bruno's assist at Stamford Bridge also marks another milestone: he is the fourth player in Premier League history to provide 10 assists away from home in a single season. Bruno matched Muzzy Izzet's achievement for Leicester City in 2003/04. Ahead of him now are only Cesc Fàbregas from 2014/15 and Mohamed Salah from 2024/25, each with 11 away assists.

Among United's remaining five Premier League matches, only two are away games, leaving Bruno limited opportunities to challenge this record. He would need an average of one assist per game to achieve it, making it more difficult than breaking the 20-assist record.

Bruno was named the official Player of the Match. After the game, he stated in an interview: "Every time, I aim to perform better than the previous season, hoping to improve all aspects of my skills. I must progress every week because I want to become a better player and finish my career at my best."

Manager Carrick praised Bruno: "Bruno Fernandes' influence has been immense over a long period. He maintains this level consistently, participates in almost every match, stays physically fit, and is full of fighting spirit. He carries significant responsibility in midfield, but he willingly does it for the team. He is a leader, and it's natural for him to captain the side. Sometimes leadership is shown by setting an example and guiding teammates. He has a strong presence on the pitch and is an indispensable core of the squad. Over the past few years, he has made tremendous contributions to the club."

Even critical former United legend Roy Keane has no complaints about Bruno's ability to deliver dangerous passes: "In terms of such passes, he is the best in the world—including talent, weight of pass, and decision-making—he always finds you."

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