Bruno Fernandes has opened up on the mood inside Manchester United’s dressing room after the remarkable ending to their Premier League game against Brentford on Saturday.
Erik ten Hag’s men came into the game with huge pressure on their shoulders, with their campaign running the risk of spiralling into free fall.
And it looked like just that was happening when Brentford grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first half and held that advantage into stoppage time.
That’s when Scott McTominay produced an unforgettable ten-minute cameo, having been introduced in the 87th minute and scoring in the 94th and 97th minute to clinch a huge win.
Fernandes, who was involved in most United moves going forward, has spoken to the press after the game and the Portuguese international admitted that the players are relieved to have won the game, claiming they deserved all three points.
“Relief, happiness and we all agree that we deserved this result because during the 90 minutes, we controlled the game really well and we could have scored in the first half,” Fernandes told MUTV when quizzed on his team-mate’s feelings, according to the Manchester Evening News.
“We didn’t and we know when we don’t score and concede, it’s always going to be tough, but today we got three points and two goals from Scott at the last minute. It was a really good result for us because we needed points today.
“That’s what the manager always says about the subs. I think last year we were the team with the most goals coming from the bench and this has to be the mood for everyone coming off the bench.
“I know it’s difficult to be on the bench, everyone wants to be playing, but Scott came on for 10 minutes and scored two goals. It’s Fergie time at United, it’s quite normal to score at this time of the game and part of it being Fergie time, it has to be an academy player scoring too. Scott gave us the win today and we’re all really happy for him.
“It was the desire and togetherness we had for the whole game, the effort we put in, was really good.”
At times like these, where late winners in the other direction have become far too regular and the mood is low, a result like this was needed and the pure ecstasy of two stoppage-time goals will do everyone involved the world of good.
Hopefully, United will be able to build on this in two weeks when club football resumes following the latest international break. Unfortunately, the majority of Ten Hag’s first-team regulars will be away to take part in those games.
