Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes recorded two assists in the 3-1 win against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes wants to contribute more at Manchester United after breaking David Beckham’s 26-year assist record. Fernandes recorded two assists against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, meaning he moved past Beckham’s previous club record of 15 in a season.
The midfielder delivered a cross into the box from a corner for Casemiro’s headed goal, and played a superb pass to set up Matheus Cunha to restore the advantage in the 71st minute.
Fernandes has 16 assists in the Premier League this term. He is now four shy of equalling the top-flight assist record, which is shared between Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne.
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Speaking to MUTV, Fernandes said of beating Beckham’s assist tally in 1999/2000. “Obviously, it’s very nice. It’s a very good achievement. We’re talking about one of the best players, certainly [the best] strikers of anyone in the box. So I’m very pleased to do that.
“It’s not going to change anything for what I want, but being there with a name who, obviously, was one of the players everyone looks up to, in the way of crossing and the way of passing.
“Like everyone in their own garden tried to do it like Beckham and was doing it, even if you’re just swinging your arm, like he used to do it, not as much the ball! I’m very happy to do that.”
Fernandes has now recorded 100 assists for United and added: “Obviously, it’s not something I dream about or thought about but I always want to help the team to get [what we want] in most of the games.
“Scoring goals and assisting is a big part of my game. I’m very pleased today worked out and made us win the game. Until the end of the season, I want to try to keep helping the team and improving on that, results-wise.”
Michael Carrick was asked about Fernandes’ future during his post-match press conference. “Bruno’s definitely not someone we’d want to lose, I can say that. He’s important for us and he’s definitely one we wouldn’t want to lose,” he said.
“Bruno has done it for a long period of time now, in the big moments and making the difference, whether scoring or creating he’s normally around it. Two very different [assists] today.
“He has a really good understanding with Case and working with Jonny [Evans] on the set plays. There’s also the bit you can coach and then there’s a little bit of the players and the understanding. They’ve got a great connection there with that and have done it a few times before, so that was good.
“Then the passing around it, getting in positions where you can play that final pass, and it was one we’ve seen before and then he plays Ben in as well I think after that, so there’s not a lot else to say that I’ve not sat here and said before about Bruno.”
Fernandes is contracted until the summer of 2027, with the option of another year.