‘He’s a great football player’ – Cole and Lescott celebrate Dauman after youngest scorer’s feat
Video credit: TNT Sports
The victory boosted United’s chances of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League, as Carrick maintained his 100% home record as caretaker manager and the team bounced back from a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United.
Fernandes’ contribution, setting up Casemiro and Cunha’s first two goals for the home side, broke David Beckham’s record for most assists in a single season by a United player.
Beckham held the record for 26 years, having provided 15 assists during the 1999/2000 season as United cruised to the league title.
Mr Carrick told the BBC: “I’m delighted to have him on board.” “He has long shown how influential he is in important moments.
“He’s always there, pushing himself forward in training and in games. You can always count on him to be there. That’s a really good trait.”
“He’s had his ups and downs here, but he’s never been crushed. Today, he was there to make a difference.
“He had a lot of big moments, whether it was scoring a goal or making a pass. He’s always there. In practice and in games, he always puts himself forward.”
Fernandes: “The main achievement will be to finish in the top half”
Fernandez said he was “proud” of his efforts but remained focused on the team’s goals for this season.
United are third in the table with eight games remaining and have only the Premier League to worry about, but Fernandes feels his team has more to offer as the season draws to a close.
The 31-year-old told Sky Sports of his new assist record: “I’m more proud and more satisfied because I was able to help my teammates.”
“When I play the position I play, it’s even better because it’s also very good to give joy to other players.
“So I’m very happy to be able to help them score and be happy in the moment. It’s a big achievement for me, but the main achievement will be to be in the top spot at the end of the season.”
“This was very important because it was against a direct opponent. We had the same points so it’s always good to get this advantage from your opponent and obviously after the last game (against Newcastle) where we didn’t get the three points we wanted, we needed that to win the game so we did the job today.”
“I think we can still improve a lot more, but the job is done and I’m very happy with the three points.”
Fernandes said he was proud to have surpassed Beckham’s assist record at United.
“Of course it’s very nice,” Bruno said. “It’s a very good achievement. We’re talking about one of the best players of anyone in the box, definitely the (best) striker. So I’m very happy to do it.”
“It doesn’t change anything that I want, but to be with a player whose name was obviously one of the players that everyone looked up to in terms of the way he crosses and the way he passes.
“Everyone in their own yard tries to do like Beckham, like he did in real life, even if it’s just waving his arms like he used to do, instead of swinging the ball.
“Obviously, I’m very happy to be able to do it (to beat his record).”
