Solskjaer: Bruno Fernandes dispatched Manchester United penalty despite using just one eye
According to The Independent, Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Bruno Fernandes for overcoming a bloodshot eye to score from the penalty spot in the 90th minute.
Marcus Rashford gave United the lead in the first half, grabbing us an important away goal in the process. With the match heading to a 1-0 finish, Fernandes won himself a penalty after being caught in the face by Yan Brice Eteki.
While we could consider ourselves rather fortunate to be given the decision, Fernandes did not let it trouble him as he doubled out lead from the spot.
Solskjaer praised Fernandes for his ability to not let adversity get in his way of doing what was needed for the team. An accomplished penalty taker, the 26-year-old’s strike was far from perfect. However, it was enough to see it go past Rui Silva.
“Mike Phelan was sat behind me in the dugout and said he took one in the face. His eye is red and to score with one eye open is also a skill.”
United look set to have a fight on their hands in the return leg. Anthony Martial is out injured while the trio of Scott McTominay, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are all suspended.
Settling the tie!
Given the handicap, Fernandes’ goal could prove to be a pivotal one in the tie. The importance is not lost on Solskjaer who believes the tie is far from over.
“It was an important goal, the second one there. A 1-0 lead losing three players is not a good position to be in. I don’t think we deserved those yellow cards but that’s happened.”
United have depended on Fernandes and Rashford for goals this season. The duo leads the club’s goal and assist tally and was unsurprisingly the heroes again last night. (h/t BBC)
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The return leg will be played at Old Trafford on April 15. The winner will then take on either Ajax Amsterdam or AS Roma in the semifinal stage.