Matthijs de Ligt caught the eye of Bruno Fernandes after the Manchester United star sent a message to fans following the 2-1 comeback win over Manchester City.
Ruben Amorim’s men travelled to the Etihad on Sunday evening after their 2-1 comeback win against Viktoria Plzen on Thursday in the Europa League.
Manchester United were placed on the back foot in the first half after Josko Gvardiol headed home the opener for Manchester City before half-time.
However, Amorim’s side staged a dramatic comeback late in the second half after Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot-kick in the 88th minute.
Amad Diallo then slammed home United’s winner against City only two minutes after Bruno Fernandes netted his penalty.
United sealed all three important points from the Manchester derby and the 13th-place Red Devils are currently six points adrift from the top four.
De Ligt sends message to Man Utd fans
Despite conceding at the hands of Josko Gvardiol in the first half, Manchester United’s three-man backline impressed in Sunday’s 2-1 win at the Etihad.
Matthijs de Ligt started the match alongside Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez and the trio produced solid displays for Ruben Amorim’s men.
The 25-year-old Dutch defender saw out 79 minutes against City before United manager Amorim withdrew De Ligt for fellow summer signing Leny Yoro.
De Ligt, who was signed from Bayern Munich in the summer, took to Instagram and sent out a heartfelt message to United fans after the Manchester derby.
Posting on his Instagram, the United defender wrote: “First Manchester derby, first win. This one’s for the fans!”
Bruno Fernandes wasted no time reacting to De Ligt’s post and the United captain left three flexed bicep emojis in response to the Dutchman’s message.
Amorim’s verdict after Man Utd win
United had suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest before returning to winning ways in the league on the weekend.
Speaking after the match at the Etihad, Amorim insisted that United’s players were “really focused” on their strategy against Pep Guardiola’s men.
“The players believed they could win this game today and were really focused on the strategy,” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“But we have to give all the credit to the players. They changed everything today and this win is just from the players.
“I like the way the squad was, even the guys on the bench, but I don’t want to talk about individuals.
“Amad was really important for us, of course, but all the team played well and that is important for us, too.
“This is a team sport and, if you believe, work hard and sacrifice for each other, you can achieve things.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
