Fernandes: There are many positives to take to Villa
Bruno Fernandes has urged his Manchester United team-mates to remain positive about their form, despite the disappointment of finishing second in Europa League Group E.
United beat Real Sociedad 1-0 on matchday six of the competition's group stage – just one goal short of the result required to overtake the Basque club at the top of the table.
But Fernandes, who skippered the club on the night, says the Reds should not be too melancholy and, instead, focus on an unbeaten run which now stretches to nine games in all competitions.
Bruno points to the positives in Spain Video
Bruno points to the positives in Spain
In our interview, Bruno Fernandes assesses the performances and points to the positives in San Sebastian...
“Obviously, we knew that we needed a two-goal difference to go through at the top of the group, but it was not possible,” began the Portuguese playmaker.
“But we won the game, we keep the momentum, we didn't concede a goal once again, so we have to keep the positives of this game, and there are many positives – much more than negatives.
“So it's just [about] keeping the momentum on Sunday.”
Erik ten Hag's side travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa this weekend, looking for a fourth straight win.
Fernandes will be unavailable, after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in last week's win over West Ham, but the influential midfielder believes the squad's positivity can carry us to victory.
“We have to carry on,” he continued. “We did a great game, we won the game, and we have to keep the positive energy that we have between us and go to Aston Villa and win the next game in the league.
“I am not playing on Sunday, but I hope that my team-mates will be ready for that. It's about resting, getting most of the time to rest the body, because it's not that long to the game.
“But hopefully everyone will be ready for that game and hopefully we will win that game also.
“Our main focus now has to be the league.”
Back to Top