Bruno Fernandes is the mercurial phenomenon of this Manchester United team and he took the term talisman to a different level in their curtain-raiser against Leeds United on Saturday.
The 26-year-old had just featured in one pre-season game prior to today’s encounter with Leeds but he looked sharp and match-ready.
Fernandes scored United’s first goal of the game after latching onto Paul Pogba’s exquisite pass, the first of three fine goals to secure his first hat-trick for the club.
The second goal (United’s third), just after half-time, was deemed to be over the line and his third goal was a beautiful strike following a top-notch pass from Victor Lindelof.
Mason Greenwood also impressed in the game, scoring perhaps the most important goal of them all. The 19-year-old made gave United their lead back just moments after Luke Ayling had equalised for the visitors.
"My achievement every season is being better than the last one."
"This season we have to for sure be better than last season."
"We will accomplish something with this mentality."
🎙 Man of the Match Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood catch up with @TheDesKelly… pic.twitter.com/nnxsjhw9SM
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 14, 2021
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“We know our fans, we’re missing them. We’re very happy for this result, they (the fans) deserve this, they wait so long,” Fernandes said after the game. “Everyone is happy today. We know it’s a big game for them too – everyone is happy for this result.”
The former Sporting captain also took time to praise Pogba, who played a big part in United’s win with four assists.
“People discuss about the quality of Paul but the quality of him is not in discussion. We know what he can do and today he showed that,” he added.
Greenwood echoed Fernandes’ comments in their joint interview by hailing the Old Trafford faithful once again on their return to Old Trafford: “Yeah, it was excellent. The fans were amazing today,” he said.
Next up for Manchester United is a trip to Southampton as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims to continue on the winning track in the new season.
