Bruno Fernandes defends awarding of controversial Manchester United goal vs Manchester City
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has defended his controversial equaliser against Manchester City in the 2-1 derby win. The Portuguese found the back of the net in the 78th minute to spur a heroic comeback victory.
Erik ten Hag’s team took on the Cityzens in the Premier League on Saturday (14 January) at Old Trafford. The Red Devils’ first goal saw Casemiro play a pass to an offside Marcus Rashford. However, the England international did not touch the ball.
Subsequently, the former Sporting CP star took his shot and beat Ederson. Speaking after the match to BT Sport (h/t Metro), Fernandes felt there was nothing wrong with the awarding of the goal.
“I was facing the goal, Marcus probably saw I was in a better position. I didn’t know if either of us was offside. He didn’t make any influence on the defenders. It is what it is.”
Initially, the goal was ruled offside by the linesman, with the England international clearly ahead of City’s defenders. However, after a brief consultation, Stuart Atwell believed the strike was legitimate. Michael Oliver, who was in the VAR booth, also deemed it okay.
The win over Pep Guardiola’s team has now taken us on a nine-game winning run in all competitions. In the reverse fixture, the Sky Blues dominated the Red Devils as they thrashed us 6-3.
However, this time around, Ten Hag organised the team in a perfect manner. Fred man marked Kevin De Bruyne, as the Old Trafford side largely kept City’s attackers quiet.
Fernandes played out wise rather than in his usual number 10 position. Christian Eriksen played as the attacking midfielder. However, the Denmark international was replaced in the 72nd minute and the Portuguese subsequently played in his usual role.
While United were not at their best in the second half in an attacking sense, we came alive towards the end of the match. Soon after the 28-year-old found the back of the net, Marcus Rashford got the win for the Red Devils.
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Fernandes has now become the de facto captain, with Harry Maguire usually on the bench. The Portuguese has impressed a lot in recent weeks. Hopefully, we can keep our run going and get our hands on some silverware this season.
