Micah Richards and Gary Lineker heaped praise on one Manchester United star after his performance against Liverpool.
Manchester United earned a determined 2–1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, with Rúben Amorim’s side claiming an important three points at Anfield.
United made a dream start, taking the lead inside two minutes as Bryan Mbeumo finished crisply from a tight angle after being played through by Amad. The visitors remained on top in the early stages, and Bruno Fernandes came close to doubling the advantage but couldn’t make the most of a clear opening.
Amorim’s men went into the interval with a narrow lead, but Liverpool emerged stronger after the break. Cody Gakpo struck the post soon after the restart, signalling the home side’s intent. Around the hour mark, Amorim turned to his bench, introducing Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and Benjamin Šeško to add fresh legs and control.
Liverpool’s persistence was rewarded late on when Gakpo equalised from close range with just over ten minutes remaining. Yet United restored their advantage almost immediately, as Harry Maguire rose highest to head home and make it 2–1.
Arne Slot’s team pushed hard for another response, but United’s defence held firm to secure their first victory at Anfield since January 2016.
Fernandes produced another moment of magic
Despite not putting on a stellar performance against Liverpool, United’s captain only needs one moment of quality to significantly impact a game, something we saw with his brilliant cross, which was headed home by Maguire in the 84th minute.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Micah Richards spoke on Fernandes’ quality that he brings to the United side and how, even when played deeper, he still performed.
“He [Fernandes] is Man Utd’s best player, and he has been since he went to the club, he’s just a different level, and he must have been frustrated over the years because you can see it sometimes, he’s a little bit petulant, but that’s because he cares so much.”
“But in terms of his quality, it’s undoubted. He’s so good, such a good player. Even playing a little deeper, he had to dictate the game in there, and I thought him and Casemiro did really well until Liverpool got back into the game, but yeah, he’s a special player.”
Fernandes’ impact is lessened when played deeper
Having featured a couple of times in a deeper role under previous manager Erik ten Hag, Fernandes has now seemingly become a permanent mainstay as a number eight, rather than his preferred spot further forward as a 10.
Since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, the 31-year-old has consistently topped the charts when it comes to chance creation in the Premier League.
Man Utd’s midfield has been a hot topic of discussion since the start of the season, with two of United’s best midfielders from last season in Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, struggling to adapt to Amorim’s system.
In a recent interview while on international break, the midfielder commented on his deeper role, saying that “Everyone has their preferences, but we have to adapt to the coach’s ideas”. While his goalscoring ability has been hindered by his deeper role, his passing range and seemingly endless energy translate well to the number eight role.
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