Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana claims as soon as Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take a late free-kick against Nottingham Forest, he knew it was going to result in a pivotal moment for the Reds at the City Ground.
The captain’s delivery made its way towards the near post and onto the head of Casemiro, who guided the ball past Forest keeper Matt Turner to send United into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Onana also played a key role. The Cameroonian has received a lot of criticism this season, but he put in one of his best performances for the club on Wednesday night – making 5 saves to deny Forest a goal.
Speaking to MUTV after the match, Onana said he had a good feeling about Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick when the Portugal international stood up to the setback that led to Casemiro’s match winner: “Of course, it is a great feeling, especially the way we won today.
“It was not an easy game and when Bruno took that free-kick I knew something would happen.
“Great feeling, great way to win and we are now focused on the coming games.”
It was crucial that United bounced back from their weekend defeat to Fulham. Erik ten Hag couldn’t afford to let that result knock his players because every fixture between now and the end of the season feels like a must win. Especially if we want Champions League football and to win the FA Cup.
Onana hopes the 1-0 win over Forest can give the Reds a confidence boost going into Sunday’s Manchester derby.
“We all know how important this game is for us,” Onana added. “[It is important] for the club, for the city, so we have to be ready for them.
“We are Manchester United. We know it is not going to be easy but we will fight. I know my guys and I know we will fight there and we will see what will happen.
“We train every day to play these kinds of games. It is a very exciting game. We all know who we are so we will be ready for them.”
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