Bruno Fernandes responds to breaking David Beckham’s Man Utd Premier League record | Football

Bruno Ferandes insists Manchester United’s eventual finishing position this season will mean more to him than setting any individual records.

The Portugal international produced another man of the match display at Old Trafford as Michael Carrick’s side took a giant step towards Champions League qualification with a 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

After a frustrating first half Casemiro broke the deadlock eight minutes after the re-start, heading home Fernandes’ perfectly flighted near post corner.

The lead, however, lasted just 11 minutes when, after United failed to clear a deep cross, Ross Barkley swept home an equaliser.

Fernandes was to the fore again with 20 minutes remaining and helped his side restore their advantage, sending Matheus Cunha clear and the forward steered his shot beyond Emi Martinez.

Super-sub Benjamin Sesko made the points safe in the closing stages but the day belonged to the skipper who registered his 15th and 16th assists of the campaign, breaking David Beckham’s club record for an individual season.

The overall record for a Premier League season, jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, stands at 20 but Fernandes maintains the fate of his team is all he has on his mind.

He said: ‘I’m more proud and more pleased because I did it serving my teammates.

‘That’s even better because giving joy to the others is also very good when you play in the position I play so I’m very happy that I can help them to score, be happy and giving them moments.

‘Obviously it’s a huge achievement for me. But the main achievement for me would be to be in the top spots at the end of the season.’

United legend Roy Keane, who has been critical of Fernandes in the past, praised the team’s talisman for another stellar individual display and is confident Carrick’s improving side will now secure entry to Europe’s elite club competition.

‘Yeah I think certs for it,’ Keane said of United’s hopes of finishing in the top four.

‘No distractions, just focus on the games, get some recovery. Villa looked a bit flat today [after playing in Europa League on Thursday], United in the second half were pretty comfortable.

;If you give players like Bruno time and space, you’re going to be punished. I think United are absolute certs for that Champions League spot.’

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