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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Stephen Killen

Bruno Fernandes sums up Manchester United mood after beating Brighton

Bruno Fernandes expressed his relief after Manchester United returned to winning ways against Brighton.

The Portuguese playmaker scored to confirm the 2-0 win in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time after Cristiano Ronaldo had rifled in the opener.

United claim a welcome three points off Graham Potter's side after a run of straight 1-1 draws had frustrated Ralf Rangnick's side and their supporters.

Fernandes — who was dubbed a 'problem' by United legend and pundit Paul Scholes in the aftermath of their clash with Southampton on Saturday — showed immense composure to dummy Seagulls' keeper Roberto Sanchez before putting the ball in the back of the net, rounding off an improved individual display.

The 27-year-old took to Twitter to offer his thoughts: "Happiness and relief. Let’s go United."

Following the draw with the Saints, Scholes directed criticism at the former Sporting man.

He said: "I think Fernandes could be a bit of a problem, he's a talented lad, he scored so many great goals but he's all over the pitch.

"A coach would tell you better, from a defensive point of view, how can you set up when you have no idea where the start of it [is], how can you set traps for teams where you don't know where some of the players are going to be?"

Despite the criticism, Fernandes proved to be an integral figure in the Brighton win after creating five chances, two of which were big chances, won four successful duels and had three shots on target — plus he capped it off with a goal.

Importantly for United, the win fires them back into the top four with a two-point cushion over nearest challengers West Ham, with Wolves, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur among the chasing pack with games in hand.

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