Bruno Fernandes has set a challenge for his Manchester United teammates after their ‘near perfect’ display against Manchester City.
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has challenged his team-mates to perform as they did against Manchester City in every game for the remainder of the season.
Goals from the Portuguese early on and Luke Shaw in the second half led United to a 2-0 win at the Etihad to end City’s run of 21 straight victories in all competitions.
For Fernandes, a goal was perhaps the right answer to critics who said he doesn’t perform against the ‘big six’ sides.
The result also meant the 26-year-old has never lost an away game in a Manchester United jersey.
For United, it was their first win against one of the so-called ‘Big Six’ teams in the Premier League this season.
However, Fernandes is determined to ensure the performance was not a one-off.
“We all know it’s difficult to play against them,” he told Sky Sports.
“They defend well and are good on the ball, but we did almost everything perfect and the result is the most important thing.
“It’s about performing well until the end of the season and about trying to win every game.
But Fernandes is determined to ensure the performance was not a one-off.
“We all know it’s difficult to play against them,” he said.
“They defend well and are good on the ball, but we did almost everything perfect and the result is the most important thing.
“It’s about performing well until the end of the season and about trying to win every game.
“Scoring in the first minute is perfect as we then had more space to counter, and we know that the big threat we have is the counter.”
Fernandes says scoring early has not always worked for United and insisted they had to remain focused for the entire 90 minutes.
“Against Tottenham, we started with a penalty in the first minute but we still lost the game, so it’s not always perfect,” the Portuguese added.
“But we remained focused until the end, scored the second, and we defended well. We know that if we defend well, we have the chances to score.
“Some people may say United are now performing against the ‘Big Six’ because we won but it doesn’t affect us.”
“Football is about scoring goals and not conceding and that’s what happened today. We took our chances.”
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Manchester City
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
