Despite playing poorly on Wednesday against Brentford, Manchester United managed to win all three of its home games.
In the process, the Red Devils exacted retribution for their 0-4 defeat to the Bees in a season-opening game they played away from home.
Prior to the game, manager Erik ten Hag was under duress due to the 20-time English league champions being eliminated from the Champions League spots. But thanks to his daring use of Bruno Fernandes, the Reds have won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since their Carabao Cup victory in February.
Under the Dutch coach, the night's captain was required to perform a variety of tasks, from acting as the deep-lying playmaker on Wednesday to playing on the wings.
Despite playing in a difficult and unfamiliar position, the Portuguese team had the most touches of the ball (114) and ended with an outstanding 87% pass accuracy rate.
Although Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay of Ten Hag's midfield options offer physicality, neither has the passing ability of the Portugal international, so the manager opted to put Fernandes there.
Again, he completed the most passes of any player on the field with 83, including 30 in the closing third. The Portuguese played more forward after United took the lead, completing seven long balls and three crucial crosses.
The tenacious 28-year-old never wavered in his defensive responsibilities as he made 10 ball returns and triumphed in all of his aerial duels and four out of five ground duels.
Fernandes made two interceptions and made two saves for his side while making one tackle. Additionally, he released anxiety by prevailing in two crucial fouls in risky situations.
His display against Brentford on Wednesday night prompted the team manager to refer to him as the 'big engine' during his post match interview.
Bruno Fernandes, in Erik ten Hag's opinion, was essential to Manchester United's victory. He took on a more significant position in midfield than usual.Erik ten Hag praised Marcus Rashford, David de Gea, and three other players in particular during his news conference, according to BBC Sport.
He said of Rashford: “Once again he is on top and in very good form so hopefully he can keep doing it until the end of the season. Keep that focus and those energy levels and then he will score.”
Ten Hag praised a key save David de Gea made from Ivan Toney in the second half, commenting: “When you need David, he is there.”
Speaking to MUTV on Fernandes, he added: “The big engine Bruno Fernandes! He had a brilliant game.”
In the end, this was a strong team effort, and each player at Old Trafford deserves praise for their passionate performance in the slick circumstances.
Even though United had the upper hand, the contest was still in doubt because there was only one goal separating the two teams.
Luke Shaw leaving the game in the first half due to injury was the only drawback. After the game, when asked about the defender's injury, Ten Hag merely said he had to wait 24 hours for Shaw to be examined.
Th captain was praised by the manager, and there is a good possibility that he will take the same role against Everton this weekend.
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