Bruno Fernandes played 70 minutes of Manchester United’s quarter-final second leg win over Granada.
He was replaced by close pal Juan Mata, who was making his first United appearance since his mother died last month.
Fernandes shared a quick moment with Mata as they crossed paths, and sent him a message after the win, while celebrating United’s qualification to the Europa League semi-finals.
Mata was among United’s starters when Fernandes made his Manchester United debut in February 2020.
They were seen to be close on United’s training camp in Marbella that month, and it was clear Mata had a key role in helping Fernandes settle at United so quickly.
Barring the first couple of months, this season they have not played together so often, Mata has barely played at all lately. His last start came against Watford.
Mata played a part in United’s second goal, when he tried to get on the end of an Alex Telles’ cross, and did enough to distract defender Jesus Vallejo, that he turned it into his own net.
United face Roma over two legs in the next round and Mata’s experience could yet be key.
If United make a point of giving him some minutes from the bench over the next couple of weeks, he could emerge as an option if United need him to turn a tight semi-final, like he did in last year’s quarters against Copenhagen.
Solskjaer makes a point
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was pictured speaking to Mata after the game, and you could tell exactly what he was saying.
The United boss was pointing at his head, telling the veteran Spaniard he should have headed in Alex Telles’ cross to score himself.
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