Erik Ten Hag labeled Bruno Fernandes the ‘best player on the pitch’ yesterday at Old Trafford as Manchester United secured a comfortable 4-1 victory against Real Betis in their last 16 first leg of the Europa League.
After their embarrassing 7-0 defeat to arch-rivals Liverpool over the weekend, Man United players were heavily criticized for their performances, but the one person that got the most stick was Fernandes. Fans and pundits alike even questioned his suitability to wear the captain’s arm band.
Before the Betis game, Ten Hag had defended the 28-year-old and insisted that for as long as the club captain Harry Maguire isn’t on the pitch, Fernandes will remain the captain.
Fernandes repaid his manager’s trust as well as proving his doubters wrong with his display against the Spaniards. Not only did he score to help the Red Devils bounce back from that shameful defeat, he was also named the Man of the match as United humbled Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
“He was the best player on the pitch and it showed his personality,” Ten Hag told BT Sport. “He played in a little bit of a deeper role tonight, he was brilliant.
“He was a leader in playmaking from deep and controlling the rhythm of the game. He had a lot of good passes in between the lines and from there-on we created a lot of chances
“He led the team from the first minute by his game, with possession, make the rhythm of the game and score a goal so I’m happy.”
Marcus Rashford, Anthony and Wout Weghorst were the other players that got on the score sheet against Betis. United now have one foot set into the semifinals. They will head to the Estadio Benito Villamarín next Thursday looking to seal the deal, but first, they must deal with relegation threatened Southampton who they meet on Sunday in the Premier League.
United is placed 3rd in the table standings.
