Manchester United fans will be singing the name Bruno Fernandes tonight, but he was not alone in creating history for his side against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi final.
Bruno Fernandes scored two out of the three goals that have Manchester United leading the tie 3-0 going into the second leg at Old Trafford. Still, he certainly wasn’t alone in creating history on a historic night for his team at San Mames.
Fernandes made it 2-0 from the spot after some clever play around the box, which ended in Rasmus Højlund being dragged down, but it was his second goal of the game that has drawn attention from pundits.
The Portuguese star broke past the Bilbao defence and slotted the ball into the back of the net with ease, a testament to the run of form he’s on. However, it was the involvement of three players in the goal before the finish that also deserves praise.
Karen Carney spoke about the goal on TNT Sports after the game and singled out three underrated United stars for praise.
Ugarte, Hojlund, and Casemiro combine for Bruno’s second
Carney was speaking after the game on TNT about the performance and running through the individual goals. Højlund, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte were three players she felt played a considerable role in United’s third goal, Fernandes’ second.
“The third goal from Bruno Fernandes, again, just before the half-time whistle, and really good work from Ugarte in the build-up as well.
“Yeah, and Casemiro has played that pass through to break through the lines. I mentioned it earlier, you get your little bit of luck when you win your 50-50 battles, but as soon as it goes through to Bruno, you know, we already know it’s in the back of the net before he’s hit it because of the form he’s in.
“But nice little flick around the corner, as you mentioned, from Ugarte. Good strength from Højlund to win that 50-50. Nice little flick, and that’s it. Done and dusted. Bang.”
Casemiro was immense on the night, and despite a shaky start, Ugarte grew into the game, coming away with two very important assists on a night where the away side needed their bigger players to step up.
Højlund scored a goal at the weekend, and he looked like a player who had a weight lifted from his shoulders tonight. The Dane was sharp and agile on the ball, holding off Athletic Club players with ease, something he had earned criticism for failing to do in the Premier League.
Every player has a role under Amorim
A lot is made of starting line-ups before games, but players like Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro, and even Hojlund and Victor Lindelöf have roles to play on the way to hopefully bringing home European glory for United.
Lindelöf’s clearance off the line, Ugarte’s assists, Højlund’s overall play—none of Fernandes’ goals happen or even make any difference without that groundwork going into the performance first.
United have a long way to go before the final on 21 May, and they will face a huge opponent in the shape of Spurs, a side they haven’t beaten since 2022.
If they are to be successful in that final, every single player in the squad is going to have to play a role.
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