David Beckham reacts to Southampton star James Ward-Prowse closing in on Manchester United record

Manchester United legend David Beckham has sent Southampton star James Ward-Prowse a message as the England international closes in on his Premier League record.

Beckham has held the record of scoring the most direct free-kicks during his time at Old Trafford with 18, prior to his move to Real Madrid in 2003. The Saints skipper single-handedly earned a point for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side, coming back from two goals down, firstly from a dead-ball situation before completing the comeback in the second-half.

His effort now takes him to within four of the record and the 27-year-old has time on his side. Speaking after the match, Ward-Prowse said: "I think the main motivation is to meet my hero (David Beckham) growing up as a kid that's the motivation.

READ MORE: Manchester United learned which players really care in Arsenal defeat

"Hopefully if I do get that, (the record) he'll reach out, so yeah that's the motivation," he said. And it couldn't have been better for the midfielder as the legendary set-piece specialists sent him a message.

On his Instagram story, Beckham said: "Looking forward to it mate. Another great one today, four more to go."

It isn't the first time that Ward-Prowse has addressed the record. During the March internationals, he was probed on being within touching distance of record, but he remained coy and expressed his intent to "pick" his idol's brains.

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.