If there was a positive takeaway from Manchester United’s draw against Aston Villa then it was Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes scored two goals at Villa Park, one in each half, even if the first came thanks to a goalkeeper error from Emiliano Martinez.
The Portuguese star was subject of praise from Roy Keane after the game, who was particularly complimentary about his second goal.
Keane told Sky Sports’ post-game coverage: “It was brilliant, brilliant quality. His first touch sets him up, poor play from Villa, credit to United. A lovely finish, he made it look very easy.
“He’s got to be happy with his performance, two good goals. He does a lot more good than negative stuff. He’s on the bus back thinking I’ve scored two goals, that’s pretty good.”
Unfortunately United could not hold on after Fernandes’ second goal and Aston Villa fought back well. United were too slow to react and by time changes were made, Villa had scored twice.
United had to make do with a point instead of three, despite doing the hard part and being the better side for the first hour.
Once again, finishing in the the top four is looking like a tall order, with just one point gained from the last two league matches and five from the last four.
Fernandes’ two goals move his record forward
From an individual perspective, scoring twice adds a bit of respectability to Fernandes’ goal contributions this season, which were a bit below par considering he scored three on the first day of the season.
Fernandes is now up to seven goals for the season, United’s second highest scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo with 14.
He also now has 47 career goals for Manchester United, overtaking Teddy Sheringham on 46. He is fast closing in on teammate Juan Mata’s haul of 51, and long passed Paul Pogba who has 38.
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