- TNT Sports commentator blown away by assist from Manchester United star
- Fernandes was named Player of the Match by McCoist
- Midfielder two assists away from PL record
Manchester United came away with all three points against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening (18 April).
A narrow 1-0 win, thanks to an incredible goal by Matheus Cunha was enough to send the Reds happy on their trip home from London. It was the Red Devils’ first win at Chelsea in six years, capping off an important win in the race for Champions League football.
One man who impressed was Bruno Fernandes, who provided the assist for the only goal of the game. The midfielder is now just two assists away from matching Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry’s record of 20 assists in one Premier League season.
‘Quality’ Fernandes Moves United Closer to Top Three Finish
Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist was on co-commentary for TNT Sports. Speaking on the goal, which was scored by Cunha in the 43rd minute, he said: “Against the run of play? Probably. Quality? Definitely, the majority of which coming from Bruno Fernandes.”
Fernandes did well to evade ex-United winger Garnacho on the right wing to feed Cunha in the six-yard box. The surfer celebration capped off what has developed into great on-pitch chemistry between the Brazilian and Portuguese.
McCoist remarked: “He runs in behind, takes a great touch and it was too easy to get by Garnacho. Excellent pass and a beautifully composed finish. Cunha leaves Sanchez no chance.”
The midfielder was later given the Player of the Match award by McCoist, who was overly impressed by his overall performance on the night.
Ex-United man Owen Hargreaves, who was in the TNT Sports studio, also heaped praise on the 31-year-old. He said: “Bruno Fernandes, he’ll be up for Player of the Year this season, he just creates big moments. He was the architect today, best player on the pitch by a mile and obviously with Cunha finishing up, it feels like Champions League football is coming back to Manchester United.”
Captain Fantastic Caps Off Rare Clean Sheet
The 1-0 win was just the third time that the Reds have kept a clean sheet away from home this season. What made it even more impressive was that Michael Carrick’s side were without four senior defenders. A makeshift pairing of Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui did well to fend off the Chelsea forwards.
However, the true heartbeat of the performance was Fernandes. He has arguably been the league’s standout player this season. His leadership has translated into quality on the pitch too. Upon reflection at the end of the seaosn, this important victory could well be the one that secures Champions League football for next season.
Looking back at the summer exit rumours, it is now unimaginable to think where the Reds would be without the Portuguese captain. In a season that has been marred by injuries, different managers and instability, Fernandes has remained a constant performer.
