Erik: It's a pleasure to work with Bruno

The Reds’ skipper on the day scored the only goal of a well-contested affair, which saw United edge out Unai Emery’s in-form visitors, with Fernandes’ first-half strike the difference to end the Villans’ 10-match unbeaten league run.

Fernandes was typically tenacious in getting the goal, squeezing in a rebound from a tight angle, after Marcus Rashford had seen a low shot saved, for his 100th league goal of his professional career – 42 of which have now come with the Reds.

Aside from his goalscoring contribution, our no.8 was ever creative, unlocking the high line deployed by the visitors on several occasions, finding the likes of Marcus Rashford and Christian Eriksen in space in behind the Villa backline.

United had to stay strong in the defensive aspect of the game, though, as our lead remained at just a one-goal margin, and those intangible, mental traits displayed by Bruno were among the qualities highlighted by manager Erik ten Hag after the game.

When quizzed by reporters in his post-match press conference about Bruno’s resilience, the boss said: “He [Bruno] is so tough. A couple of weeks ago, there was questioning about his captaincy, it’s crazy, because he is such a big leader by example.

“He gives so much energy to the team, besides his smartness, his determination, his passion and his resilience. So, yeah, I think this team are so happy.

“We need such players if you want to win games and if you want to win trophies.”

The midfielder was playing on the right-hand side of our frontline against Villa – a role he has filled admirably on occasion this term.

While we’re more accustomed to seeing Bruno in a more central attacking midfield role, he’s proven an adaptable figure all over the pitch.

The Portuguese has also featured in a deeper midfield role of late, impressing in our last home league win against Everton in that position earlier this month.

So it was of little surprise that Ten Hag also made a point of underlining Bruno’s versatility and importance across multiple positions.

“He can play several roles and also, in that perspective, you need players like Bruno to be successful,” continued the boss.

“We have seen against Everton, he can play a deeper role and he brings passes. As a [no.] 10, we know what he can [do], but also from the side.

“First, he’s a very good presser, he understands the moment when to close down, when to bring the opponent in trouble. He knows also when to run back, to track back, and to close passing lines to close opponents.

“So even if our press gets beat, he knows when to get back and then, of course, he can play in between the lines and give the pass, but also, he can for himself get behind the lines.

“He has so many skills and it’s a pleasure to work with players like him.”