Manchester United booked their place in the FA Cup Fourth Round after beating Arsenal at the Emirates.
The Red Devils secured their spot in the competition’s next round despite the odds being stacked against them.
Even though Ruben Amorim’s side were down to 10 men for most of the second half after Diogo Dalot was sent off, a crucial penalty save from Altay Bayindir and an earlier goal from Bruno Fernandes, sent the tie to extra-time.
After failing to breach United’s defence, Arsenal were forced into a penalty shootout which they lost thanks to a game-winning strike from Joshua Zirkzee.
And Fernandes has now revealed exactly what he told his under-fire teammate before he beat David Raya.
Bruno Fernandes reveals Joshua Zirkzee FA Cup penalty message
Zirkzee was booed off the Old Trafford pitch by fans during the side’s poor performance against Newcastle United last month.
Coming under fire, Zirkzee has recently been linked with a transfer back to Bologna.
However, the attacker’s FA Cup heroics last weekend, which saw him convert the fifth, and game-winning spot-kick, boosted his confidence, with fans now hoping he can kick on from here.
And Fernandes has lifted the lid on what he told the Dutchman before he made the nerve-wracking walk to face Raya.
“The only thing that came into my mind was to tell the players that the script is done,” he told Sky Sports.
“Everything is done since that moment against Newcastle at home. That prepared us to, in this moment, give Josh his moment and his credit.”
Strong words from United’s captain who seemed never to doubt Zirkzee despite the huge pressure on his shoulders.
Fernandes’ elite leadership crucial to Man United’s recent FA Cup win
Fernandes may not be everyone’s favourite player. He is often seen arguing with referees and showing frustration but one thing that can never be doubted is his desire to win.
The Portugal international is one of United’s first team’s most competitive and trophy-hungry players.
Fernandes’ determination obviously inspires those around him, and after showing belief in one of the side’s most insecure players, should be given credit for playing a significant role in United’s unlikely victory.
United’s next two league games are back-to-back home matches against Southampton and Brighton, and Fernandes will be expected to lead the side.
The experienced midfielder will need to continue boosting morale after just six wins and five draws see the side sit 13th in the table with just 23 points.
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