Manchester United are in a hurry to secure their return to the Champions League, so says Bruno Fernandes.

A depleted United team, shorn of four senior centre-backs, beat out-of-form Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Fernandes starred, providing the assist for Matheus Cunha's strike late in the first half. The United captain has now set up 18 Premier League goals this term, just two short of the competition's single-season record.

United are third in the table on 58 points, 10 clear of sixth-place Chelsea with five games left to play.

With the top five qualifying for the Champions League, Opta's supercomputer is handing United a 98.4% chance of getting back into UEFA's flagship club tournament.

And Fernandes wants to get the job done swiftly. He told TNT Sports: "It's an amazing feeling for us, we had to bounce back, we had two games that we didn't win.

"We knew we had to make a great performance because Chelsea are a good side. It's important for us because our aim is to finish in the top four, so creating some distance is perfect for us.

"I feel three points closer, we have another game that we have to win. We know we need points to get that place secured and we will do everything possible to be as quick as possible."

Fernandes has Premier League history in his sights. Only Kevin De Bruyne in 2019-20 (20), Thierry Henry in 2002-03 (20) and Mesut Ozil in 2015-16 (19) have recorded more assists in a season than he has this term.

Ten of Fernandes' assists have come away from home, making him one of four players to do so in a campaign in the competition after Muzzy Izzet in 2003-04 (10), Cesc Fabregas in 2014-15 (11) and Mohamed Salah in 2024-25 (11).

"I say every time I want to do better than the season before," Fernandes added.

"I want to improve my game overall. I need to improve every week because I want to become a better player and end my career as the best as possible."

United are not in action until April 27, when they host Brentford.