Early in the first half in Estadio Benito Villamarín, Bruno Fernandes approached the corner flag and amid the deafening din of the locals the Manchester United followers in the third tier could still be heard bellowing "Bruno, Bruno, Bruno".
Fernandes raised his head and applauded them appreciatively. He was immediately and vocally backed by the Stretford End in the first leg four days after the Anfield aberration. Fernandes responded with a goal and an assist in United's 4-1 win against Betis.
Despite the hyperbolic reactions over his lack of leadership against Liverpool, there was never any uncertainty over Fernandes's position. On an evening that Harry Maguire had the armband strapped to his bicep, the United supporters recognised Fernandes as the de facto leader.
