Bruno Fernandes has hit out at Aston Villa fans for being “disrespectful” during Manchester United's narrow win on Sunday afternoon.
Fernandes scored the only goal in United’s 1-0 win over Unai Emery’s side at Old Trafford in what was an important victory in terms of securing Champions League football. The Portuguese midfielder coolly slotted in the rebound after Emiliano Martinez pushed out Marcus Rashford's effort.
He celebrated his 100th career goal by running over to the Villa fans before standing still and glaring in their direction. Fernandes was mobbed by his teammates as the away supporters booed and rained down insults.
"They probably don't like to play against me,” Fernandes told MUTV. “I would prefer them to come and support their players rather than focus on me."
In a different interview with the BBC, he added: “It was just a celebration. I scored in that corner [so] I have to go to that corner. I couldn’t run all the way to the other corner to celebrate or go all the way to the Stretford End to celebrate. I just went there.
“I didn’t do anything disrespectful. I think they (the fans) did a little bit, but I didn’t. I did my job, I scored and I celebrated like I always celebrate.”
Fernandes has scored seven goals in eight games against Villa – the best goalscoring record he has against any opponent in his career. United have won six of those matches – and this one created a nine-point buffer to fifth place ahead of Tottenham's trip to Anfield in the late kick-off.
With Harry Maguire starting the match on the bench, Fernandes once again wore the captain’s armband for United. He started on the right-hand side of midfield in a tactical tweak from Erik ten Hag, who was delighted with his performance.
“He’s so tough, a couple of weeks ago there were questions about his captaincy which was crazy as he’s such a big leader,” said Ten Hag. “He gives so much energy to the team. He knows when to track back and close passing lines and close opponents.
“He can play in between lines and then get behind the lines. He has so many skills it’s a pleasure to work with players like him. His determination, his passion, his resilience, we need such players if you want to win games and make trophies.”
Fernandes now has 11 goals and 14 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions for United this season. He has been a key player for Ten Hag, who has depended on him to start the vast majority of matches.
United are next in action when they travel to the south coast to play Brighton on Thursday before another Premier League game against West Ham next weekend.
