Amad’s wondergoal late against Nottingham Forest salvaged a point for Manchester United but Owen Hargreaves spotted what Bruno Fernandes did just before, which made all the difference.
Ruben Amorim cut a positive figure after the 2-2 draw against Forest, knowing fully well that this team would have lost this game last year.
The change in mentality and confidence is clear, and battling draws like these are equally as important in keeping that trend as a win would have been.
Amad’s brilliant volley was the kind of audacity that was needed to break down a stubborn Forest defence, but Owen Hargreaves spotted something that Bruno Fernandes did just before, which caused the goal to happen.
Owen Hargreaves spots Bruno Fernandes moment in Amad’s goal
There is no doubt that in the current Man Utd squad, Bruno Fernandes stands out as the most intelligent football player in terms of his anticipation on the field.
He can be regularly seen cajoling players into position and dictating the pace of the game, something that has magnified since he dropped into a deeper role.
For United’s second goal, again off a corner, he was standing on the edge of the box with Amad right beside him.
Just before the corner was taken, Hargreaves, speaking on Premier League Productions broadcast, spotted Fernandes calling Amad.
Fernandes pointed out to the Ivorian that he was in the wrong position, with Amad quickly correcting it. As it turned out, the ball fell exactly to where Fernandes moved Amad to, and the rest was the Ivorian’s skill.
Hargreaves said: “There’s a point before the corner is taken where Bruno says to Amad, you’re a little bit out of position, and you have to listen to the boss! Exactly where he tells him to stand is where the ball comes, and he finishes it magnificently.”
Fernandes finding ways to contribute to Man Utd
Now that Fernandes is playing in a deeper role, his goal return has understandably diminished, but these intangibles that he brings to the side can’t be replaced.
From his leadership and mentality to his understanding of the game and the state it’s in, the club captain continues to find ways to contribute.
The only difference is that the raw stats won’t do justice to his brilliance anymore.
Knowing him, he will happily trade those raw stats of the last few seasons for a trophy or two under his leadership.
His legacy among Man Utd fans is already solidified. Some major silverware will cement his footballing legacy among the neutrals as well.
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