Manama, March 10 (BNA): Chants of “Bruno! Bruno!” echoed around Old Trafford as Manchester United’s recovery process began.
The wounds from Liverpool’s humiliating 7-0 defeat on Sunday are still fresh. But the 4-1 win over Real Betis in the Europa League was an encouraging response from Erik ten Hag’s players.
None more so than Bruno Fernandes, who scored one and played a part in two more in the first leg of the last-16 on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
The Dutchman had given his side the chance to start making adjustments at Anfield by naming an unchanged squad. Had the desired effect. Marcus Rashford scored his 26th goal of the season.
Anthony curled a shot into the top corner from distance. And Wout Weghorst, who faced a backlash on social media for touching the iconic ‘This is Anfield’ banner, let his emotions show when shooting into Manchester United’s fourth.
But perhaps no one needed redemption more than Fernandes, who took the brunt of the criticism after collapsing against Liverpool. On this occasion his efforts were well received by the United fans as well as Ten Hag.
The Portugal international raced towards the Stretford End after United took a 3-1 lead in the 58th minute and put his hands to his ears as if to drive away the noise that followed Sunday’s loss.
There was a moment when he let his excitement overflow with a late challenge on Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, but that was the night when he channeled his passion the right way by putting United within easy reach of the quarter-finals.
Former United captain and current TV pundit Gary Neville described Fernandes’ performance against Liverpool as “a disgrace”. Against Betis he was the driving force for United.
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