Bruno Fernandes dropped a powerful verdict on the performance of Noussair Mazraoui after the Manchester United star stepped up against Chelsea in a big way.
Michael Carrick was hit with a defensive crisis for the visit to Stamford Bridge after Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire were all ruled out.
The different suspensions and injuries to the aforementioned four Manchester United players meant that Ayden Heaven was the only fully fit first-team centre-back.
Red Devils interim head coach Michael Carrick chose to roll the dice with Noussair Mazraoui by playing the right-back at centre-back alongside Ayden Heaven.
WHO was your MAN OF THE MATCH against Chelsea?
A massive performance and victory…
Bruno Fernandes puts Noussair Mazraoui in the same bracket as Man Utd stars Ayden Heaven and Senne Lammens
Noussair Mazraoui, who has played in other positions outside of right-back under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, impressed with his performance on Saturday.
The 28-year-old Morocco international saw out the full 90 minutes of Manchester United’s important 1-0 Premier League win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven offered Man Utd much-needed defensive stability amid several key Red Devils players that Michael Carrick was missing for the match.
Speaking after Man Utd’s encounter with Chelsea, Bruno Fernandes raved about the performances of Senne Lammens, Mazraoui and Heaven on Saturday evening.
“Great performance from everyone [in defence] – Senne, Noussair playing out of position, Ayden amazing again for a young kid,” he said, as per the Premier League’s official website.
“The backline did a great job; some players out of position, but they were really strong in the duels.
“It was a big team effort. The guys up front put in a shift as well.”
ANOTHER assist for Bruno Fernandes! Surely now he breaks the record!!!
Bruno Fernandes reacts to Man Utd’s Premier League top-four push amid Champions League football hanging in the balance
Man Utd bounced back from their shock 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at Old Trafford to ensure they remain in strong standing in the Premier League top-four race.
Fernandes, who assisted Matheus Cunha for the Red Devils’ winner against Chelsea, insisted that Man Utd have moved one step closer to Champions League football.
“I feel three points closer [to the Champions League], that’s it,” he explained.
“We know we need more points and we’ll do everything possible to get [them] done as quickly as we can.”
Third-place Man Utd are currently three points clear of fourth-place Aston Villa ahead of Unai Emery’s men hosting Sunderland at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.
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