Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised star man Bruno Fernandes after the win over Real Betis.
Fernandes bounced back from a horrible experience at the weekend which saw pundits on TV and radio tear into him after United’s heavy defeat.
Erik ten Hag stuck by him and was repaid with a big performance, with Fernandes scoring in the 4-1 victory.
The whole team ran to celebrate with Fernandes after his goal, with United running up a healthy first leg lead.
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Ten Hag on Fernandes
Erik ten Hag talked up Bruno Fernandes after the win in his post match press conference.
The Manchester United manager told the club website: “I think he was brilliant today. He led the team from the first minute by his game.
“In possession, he made the rhythm of the game and he scored a goal so I am happy.”
He went on to praise the whole team’s display in the victory, with United scoring three second half goals after going in 1-1 at half-time.
He said: “It was a good attitude, from the start. Front foot, we were good on the ball, finding spare men in the midfield. We made good switches, we made good runs in behind and created a lot of chances so yes, we are happy today.”
Fernandes created more chances than any player on the pitch, with five key passes, from a total of 95 touches.
He provided the assist for Antony’s goal, before powering in his header from a Luke Shaw corner.
Fernandes is United’s second highest scorer this season with eight goals and leads the team for assists with 13.
This was the best way for Fernandes to respond, and not even a booking for a late challenge could ruin his night.
Paul Scholes also talked him up after the game, insisting that he does not want to see him on the wing again, insisting that he should stay in his preferred central role.
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