Bruno Fernandes has named four players that he thinks could have been named Man Of The Match against Liverpool, with one substitute being a particularly important one.
Manchester United recorded a hard-fought 2–1 win over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, with Rúben Amorim’s side securing an important three points at Anfield.
United made the ideal start, opening the scoring inside two minutes as Bryan Mbeumo finished clinically from a tight angle after being played through by Amad. The visitors continued to look dangerous, and Bruno Fernandes almost doubled the lead but was unable to take advantage of a clear chance.
Amorim’s men went into half-time with a narrow advantage, although Liverpool began the second half with renewed purpose. Cody Gakpo struck the post shortly after the restart, signalling the hosts’ growing threat. Just after the hour mark, Amorim made three substitutions, introducing Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and Benjamin Šeško to inject fresh energy into the side.
Liverpool eventually levelled when Gakpo converted from close range with just over ten minutes remaining. Yet United restored their lead almost immediately, as Harry Maguire rose above the defence to head home.
Arne Slot’s side pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but United’s defence held firm to secure their first victory at Anfield since January 2016.
Fernandes names his four MOTMs
Understandably, Maguire was rewarded with the man of the match after his late heroics, which secured all three points for Man Utd, but it was a great all-around team performance.
As they reported to Carrington, the players were asked various questions, including who they thought was their man of the match, with United captain Fernandes having an interesting take.
When asked for his man of the match, he couldn’t limit it to just one, highlighting four players that he thought were key in his side’s victory against fierce rivals Liverpool.
He said: “All of us, I would say, Senne [Lammens], very good, very strong in the beginning. Harry [Maguire] obviously, we obviously won. [Matheus] Cunha, massive, massive last few minutes to give us some help to have the ball. Leny [Yoro], Leny was very important when he came on.”
Fernandes is no longer the only difference maker
There have been far too many times that the pressure for any player to make a difference in a game has rested solely on the shoulders of Fernandes, and while he’s still a key cog in the system, there are players around him that can be difference makers.
Matheus Cunha, although not scoring or assisting in the game, played a key role in the side. Starting as a striker, the Brazilian added some much-needed skills and flair typically associated with a Brazilian winger, being branded as a “beautiful player”.
Read More: Rio Ferdinand highlights ‘unbelievable’ Man Utd star’s impact vs Liverpool, he was sensational
What was more important, however, was the fact that Cunha was crucially able to drop deeper to add an extra man into United’s midfield, which has struggled with being overrun all season.
Amad and Mbeumo have become difference makers with their link-up on the right side, and as the new signings continue to gel with the current side, there is still a chance of more difference makers being made.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.