Bruno Fernandes was one of many players who stood out and received high praise from Erik ten Hag after the 4-1 victory over Real Betis on Thursday in the Europa League.
The United manager praised Fernandes’ performance during Friday’s pre-game press conference, claiming the 28-year-old did well to silence his criticizers while showcasing his talent by heading in from a corner.
Fernandes assisted three of United’s four goals against the Spanish side. Five minutes into the game, Marcus Rashford’s shot into the roof of the net came from a wide cross that was diverted into his path by Fernandes.
A Luke Shaw corner was headed in from close range by the Portuguese midfielder shortly before the hour mark. Ten Hag enjoyed his captain’s brilliant comeback after the disastrous performance against Liverpool.
While speaking to the club’s official website, he said:
“I think he showed big personality by giving this performance and leading the team, and I thought it was brilliant. He has so many skills, and now scoring with his head from a corner.”
Fernandes’s stats against Real Betis: Three tackles, 97 touches, three successful dribbles, eight crosses with 37.5% accuracy, and five chances created.
No United player created more chances, showed more dribbling ability, whipped in more crosses, or made more tackles, so it’s understandable why Ten Hag was so impressed by the United captain.
Fernandes felt that Thursday’s performance was crucial after receiving criticism for United’s 7-0 loss to Liverpool. The 28-year-old played with a lot of assurance against Betis, and he will look to continue that form against Southampton on Sunday.
Under the Dutchman, Fernandes is having a productive season with eight goals and 12 assists in 41 games across all competitions.
