Fernandes recorded his 20th assist of the season by setting up Mbeumo Credit : Phil Noble/Reuters Bruno Fernandes sparked passionate arguments after winning the Football Writers’ Association player of the year award, yet there can be no doubts over his class this season. He joined the greats here with a 20th assist of the campaign, the record held also by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Declan Rice, his main rival for the award, could walk away with the biggest trophies but Fernandes has helped guide United from the laughing stock of English football when they were defeated at Grimsby all the way to third place in the Premier League. This time last season they were 16th in the table. With the record in his sights, his mind seemed scrambled at times as he considered whether to shoot or set up a team-mate. “Everyone knew it was important that I could get another assist at least,” Fernandes said. “They were trying everything they could to finish off my passes.…