One Manchester United star has impressed again despite changing role mid-game in a brilliant team performance against Athletic Club.
On Thursday night, Athletic Club travelled to Old Trafford for the second leg of the Europa League semi-final, after losing 3-0 at home.
Many would claim the tie was over after the first leg, but Manchester United fans know better than any that a comeback was possible, especially with key defenders Diogo Dalot and Matthijs de Ligt absent through injury.
Ruben Amorim’s team conceded first, but Athletic appeared to be no match for the Red Devils, who eventually won 4-1, 7-1 on aggregate.
The standout performer was Casemiro, who scored the second goal of United’s four, a good header in front of the Stretford End at the front post, from a Bruno Fernandes free kick.
Amad and Mason Mount both impressed from the bench, with the former Chelsea man doubling his United goal tally, but it was another United star who stood out to his teammates.
Fernandes hailed as “the best” by Amad
In a rather poor season for United, Fernandes has continued to impress, despite his frequent criticism from Roy Keane and his constant changing of position.
After the game, the Red Devils captain posted an image on social media, captioned “Reds we are going to Bilbao. Mason Mount bend it like becks. You deserve this moment kid.”
Several teammates heaped praise on the Portuguese midfielder in the comment section, with Amad replying, “ALWAYS the best.”
Joshua Zirkzee, who is currently absent due to a hamstring injury, was keen to join in as he commented, “There will be thousands of reds I’ve heard,” referencing United’s chant about the Europa League final.
Even former teammate Odion Ighalo wanted to join in the celebrations, as he added, “My captain, what a player.”
Fernandes to play deeper for the final
Fernandes has demonstrated this season that he is capable of playing anywhere on the pitch to a very high standard, but his best football comes when he is allowed to show his creativity.
While this is often as one of the attacking midfielders, the United captain can continue his playmaking responsibilities while playing in Amorim’s double pivot, alongside Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte.
Playing Fernandes deeper means that two of Alejandro Garnacho, Amad and Mount can start the game in the attacking roles, with the latter two combining well yesterday off the bench.
However, Amorim may choose to play Amad as the right-sided wing back, allowing Noussair Mazraoui to drop back into the back three, alongside Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro.
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