Bruno willing to play through any pain

The Portuguese magnifico slotted home the only goal of the game, latching on to a rebounded Marcus Rashford shot, after Emiliano Martinez made the initial save. Busting a gut to try to get to the ball, Fernandes squeezed it in from a tight angle.

Fernandes has now made 52 appearances in all competitions this term, scoring 11 goals and assisting 14 in all competitions for Erik ten Hag’s side. But United’s no. 8 has admitted the knock he sustained against Brighton & Hove Albion at Wembley has been affecting him.

Speaking to MUTV after the game, Bruno illustrated his willingness to keep driving the Reds on in another marathon season.

“I'm happy to never be in in a condition that doesn't make me get out of games," he said. "But, obviously, I had a knock in the FA Cup semi-final and that still hurts a little bit. But I can play. I can still help the team and when the manager needs me.

“I will be available for the team to help because I think it's important to me to play as much as I can. But obviously, I want to try to be in the best condition and try to not get ill and everything like that. Trying to eat healthy enough to be in the best conditions to play every game.”

The Reds now have 63 points, only two behind third-placed Newcastle United, but still with a game in hand over the Magpies.

With six matches left to play in the Premier League, Fernandes has stated that Reds' work is not done yet. The midfielder told MUTV that he feels the team deserves to be playing Champions League football next season.

“It's still some work to do," he accepted. "Obviously, we are in a great position. We are in the top four and we have to be there. We have to maintain our position and keep winning games to be in the Champions League next season because this is what this club deserves.

“These players deserve to play in this kind of competition, playing against the best teams in the world, and we will give everything to be in the top four. Our aim is always to win trophies and, luckily this year although our aim is to win the Premier League, that is not there anymore, but we have to aim for the top four and for the FA Cup final.”

Fernandes has now extended his impressive tally against Aston Villa, having scored seven goals in eight games against the Midlands side. After netting the winner, Bruno stared towards an away end that had been barracking him for long spells, probably stemming back to a game at Villa Park when he was awarded a penalty for a foul by Ezri Konsa back in 2020.

When asked whether it was a nice moment for the United skipper, Bruno said he had no issues with the fans' jeers.

“Obviously, they probably don't like to play against me, but it is what it is, it is football," he said. "I'm okay with that. They can enjoy the game in the way they want. I would prefer them to come and support their players instead to be focused on me. But if they think it's better we focus on me, than their players, it is okay. I don't mind at all.”