Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag heaped special praise for Bruno Fernandes following his impressive showing against Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-final.
The Red Devils had an even opening half at Old Trafford yesterday but Fulham stepped up their performance after the break as Aleksandar Mitrovic found the net.
A string of world-class saves from David de Gea kept United in the game and they eventually capitalised with Fulham going down to nine men in the 72nd minute of the tie.
Fernandes stepped up to convert the penalty for United in the 75th minute before Marcel Sabitzer bagged a quick second. Fernandes made it 3-1 deep into stoppage time.
Speaking after the 3-1 win, Ten Hag said that Fernandes is the big leader in the centre of the park and added that he had a ‘really good game’ before he found the back of the net.
He told Manutd.com: “Most of all I think Bruno Fernandes. He is the big leader, centre of the pitch, playmaking, [he had] a really good game and then finally he got his goal.”
Fernandes was not at his vintage best against the Cottagers, but he was heavily involved. He had 84 touches with 48 passes. He won an impressive seven duels and four tackles.
The Portuguese eventually made the difference with two goals and there were no surprises that he was voted the man of the match by the fans in a poll conducted by the club.
United will now face Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on April 22. Prior to that, they have six key games in the Premier League and Europa League.
The Red Devils return to action after the international break against Newcastle United on the road.
Stats from Sofascore.com
