Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani combined perfectly for the Uruguayan to head in a fantastic equaliser in Rome.
It was Cavani’s second goal of the game and while United went on to concede a late goal and lose the tie on the night, he was fantastic over the two legs.
As brilliant as Cavani was, he could not have done it without Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes is developing a real understanding with Cavani, learning when the striker will time his runs, and where he will be.
In the first leg Fernandes set up Cavani for his second goal, expertly picking out his run, and he repeated the trick in the second half of last night’s tie.
Cavani set up Fernandes for the first goal of the tie at Old Trafford, turning provider, showing how both players are clicking on all levels.
Scary partnership
It has taken Cavani a while to be firing on all cylinders, and now he is, it is truly worth the wait.
Cavani is now up to 14 goals for the season in all competitions, just six behind Marcus Rashford.
Fernandes has 17 assists. Last season United’s top assist leaders were Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, each on nine – Fernandes nearly caught them with eight.
When Cavani and Fernandes are playing together like this, they inflate each other’s numbers. It’s a fantastic partnership, which will hopefully be extended by another season.
Cavani is on fire at the moment and while United have to use him very sensibly due to the packed fixture schedule, he is a joy to watch.
Fernandes created three chances in the second leg, a figure matched (surpringly) only by Fred.
Cavani had four shots and scored two goals, hitting the crossbar with one of his efforts which did not go in, and testing the goalkeeper with another.
He is still waiting for his first United hat-trick, although playing like this, with Fernandes, he might not have to wait too much longer.
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