Manchester United’s players are celebrating a well-earned victory over Liverpool. But one player came in for a little criticism.
When you win at Anfield, the result is all that matters, and all that will be remembered.
However, in the immediate aftermath of the 2-1 win, the slightly disappointing performance of one Manchester United star was a topic of discussion on MUTV.
Even though he provided the match winning assist for Harry Maguire’s header, Bruno Fernandes did not quite get everything right.
Bruno Fernandes redeems himself with assist
Bruno Fernandes hooked the ball into Harry Maguire at the far post with a first time ball late in the second half, following a Liverpool clearance.
Fernandes perfectly executed a difficult skill, and in doing so, assisted Manchester United’s winner.
Speaking post-game on MUTV, pundit David May acknowledged Fernandes’ moment of magic, but also said this was his only notable contribution to the game.
May said: “That’s probably one of the only things he did in the game. At times he was very poor, giving the ball away, his first touch letting him down.”
Fernandes actually created three chances in total, completing 25 of 31 passes, 81 per cent.
Where Fernandes could have made it easier for United was with his only shot at goal, shooting narrowly wide in the first half after a cutback, when it looked easier to score. He could have put United 2-0 up.
May told MUTV: “At the minimum he’s got to hit the target. You would expect so much better from him in that position. It’s a brilliant chance, it really is.”
Fernandes wants good feelings from United
Bruno Fernandes spoke after the game about his own feelings about winning at Anfield for the first time in his career, and his hope to build on it.
He told the BBC: “I want the team to be confident and for every player to play their own game and have a good feeling to go into the pitch and help the team grow into the best shape that we can.
“We have a lot of talent in this team and a lot of good players sometimes it is difficult to show that when you are not winning.
“Winning two games now I hope we come with a lot more confidence for the next one. We need to have confidence and arrogant but at the same time with respect for who we are playing.”
Manchester United face Brighton at Old Trafford next week, a fixture the team lost last season under Erik ten Hag.
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