Bruno Fernandes drew comparisons with Wayne Rooney from Manchester United legends after his "sacrifice" for the team in their historic win over Barcelona.
The Red Devils came from behind at Old Trafford to edge past the Spanish giants 4-3 on aggregate and book their place in the Europa League last 16. Goals from Fred and substitute Antony overturned the deficit after Robert Lewandowski's opener from the penalty spot to claim a huge scalp for Erik ten Hag as excitement around his new era continues to build.
Fernandes captained United in both legs and was instrumental in the win on home soil on Thursday, despite being shunted out to the less familiar role on the right-wing. It is a position the Portuguese midfielder has taken up before when called upon, and ex-United stars Paul Scholes and Robin van Persie feel his willingness to do so is akin to that of their former teammate Rooney.
"It shows as well that Fernandes plays on the wing and great players do that for the team," Van Persie told BT Sport after the game. "Rooney did it as well in his time, many times, on the wing.
"It’s like when you are a great player you are a team player. When the team needs you on the wing, then he does that. He is showing he wants to win, for the team, for everyone.
"And even as a winger he is still doing well, but I do agree with Owen [Hargreaves] that in the centre of the pitch he is by far the best."
Ten Hag opted to utilise Jadon Sancho in a central No.10 role with Fred and Casemiro providing the double pivot at the base of United's midfield. That forced the Dutchman to repurpose Fernandes elsewhere and he gave away the penalty, but made amends by setting up Fred's equaliser and playing a part in the build-up to Antony's winner.
Scholes agreed with Van Persie on Fernandes' position as he told BT Sport: "I don’t think it was key in the first half because I don’t think it worked particularly well. We know Bruno will sacrifice himself to play out there.
HAVE YOUR SAY: What is United's best XI? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
"Sancho was playing in a little bit of a different position – OK, he came on on Sunday and did ok there – but he’s not comfortable there, he wants to be out in the wider spaces.
"And sacrifice is what it is all about in these big games. You mention Wayne Rooney, he did it so many times to accommodate Cristiano Ronaldo and just bringing that anticipation and quality to the team that Bruno has, wherever he plays in the team, he is capable of creating a goal."
Speaking after the match, Fernandes was keen to lavish praise on United's supporters for helping the team mount their impressive comeback. "They have been with us in the toughest moments, this season we have been really good. They are always behind us," he said.
“This is something different. Between them and us we have something special. They see that we are doing all we can to win games for them.
“Old Trafford was bouncing, that’s why we get results. Straight after the second half starts you knew we would get results.”
