- Marcus Rashford missed the chance to score a winner in regular time
- Under-fire striker scored the equalizer in extra time before Diallo’s winner
- Erik ten Hag WILL NOT survive at Man United after the end of the season, even if he wins the FA Cup It all starts podcast
Bruno Fernandes has been hailed by fans as a ‘real captain’ after Manchester United’s dramatic win over Liverpool.
The Portuguese has faced questions about his suitability as captain, with iconic former United captain Roy Keane insisting the 29-year-old is ‘the opposite of what I would want in a captain’.
But Fernandes showed his leadership qualities during Sunday’s frantic FA Cup quarter-final final at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford had a chance to get the last-gasp win in regular time but sent his effort wide and the goal was left to him.
The under-fire striker, who has endured a turbulent campaign both on and off the pitch, showed his frustration after the miss.
Man United captain Bruno Fernandes talks to Marcus Rashford after his miss on Sunday
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After clocking his annoyance, Fernandes ran over to rally him ahead of extra-time against Liverpool.
Midfielder Scott McTominay, who had scored the opening goal, also ran over to console his teammate.
Rashford then scored a crucial goal in extra time to level the score at 3-3 before Amad Diallo’s winner.
And fans were quick to praise Fernandes for his role.
One fan said: ‘A true leader. You don’t learn this, it comes naturally.’
A second added: ‘Still people will criticize him and say he’s not a captain.’
Another said: ‘A real captain. Love both.”
Sharing a photo of the evening’s events on Instagram, Fernandes said: “I told you so.”
Asked if he had ever seen such scenes at Old Trafford, captain Fernandes said: “I think last year against Liverpool was probably a turnaround from last season and pretty much the same.
‘Today the match became a bit tough, a bit more special because it’s an FA Cup match and if you lose you’re out.
Rasfford bounced back to score an equalizer in extra time before Amad Diallo’s winner
“We know the rivalry between fans, we know how United fans wanted us to win the game to give us something to celebrate because it hasn’t been great for us.”
The most important win Fernandes refers to came in August 2022 after Ten Hag started his United reign with defeats to Brighton and Brentford.
That season ended with glory in the Carabao Cup, reaching the FA Cup final and finishing third in the league. The Dutchman hopes that Sunday can be the turning point after a number of false mornings in the hunt for a finish in the Champions League.
“We talked about turning around, but never took the next step,” Fernandes said. ‘But I think we have to understand that the FA Cup is one thing and the Premier League is something else
