Fernandes: We showed great character
Bruno Fernandes praised Manchester United’s battling spirit after he inspired the team to a hard-fought 1-0 win at Burnley.
The Reds ended a three-game losing run with victory over the newly promoted Clarets, who posed problems throughout but ultimately succumbed to a moment of magic from Fernandes just before the break.
The captain latched on to an excellent ball over the top from Jonny Evans to fire home a wonderful first-time volley that proved to be the difference between the sides at Turf Moor.
Burnley 0 United 1
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It secured a third win of the season as Erik ten Hag’s side bounced back from the recent reversals against Brighton, Arsenal and Bayern Munich by displaying the kind of character Fernandes expected from his team-mates.
Speaking to TNT Sports shortly after the final whistle, the Portuguese playmaker said: "We knew the momentum was tough but that we could come back from this.
"The team has great players and a great spirit. We’ve been a little bit unlucky but the performances haven’t been the best. Today we showed great spirit."
Fernandes admitted United had to scrap at times because of the threat posed by Burnley, who remain winless on their return to the top flight despite an encouraging display.
The captain continued: "With the performance we sacrificed a lot because Burnley played great football and have great qualities. I think the points they have don’t show the quality they have because it’s really tough to play against them.
"So it’s not just an easy win here – we’re really happy for the points and hopefully it will give us strength for the rest."
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Fernandes also had words of praise for Evans, who helped his side keep a clean sheet on an action-packed return to the starting XI. The Northern Ireland international had a headed goal disallowed on his 200th United appearance but he went on to deliver the inch-perfect pass for Bruno's winner.
"It was a great pass, obviously," Fernandes said. "I know he has great qualities for playing the ball in behind, with both feet, so I knew he could give this pass and I was waiting for him.
"They gave some space – it was tough to get in behind them because they worked the line well, so it was a great ball, a great finish and we’re really happy with the win."