Same players, very different score. For Manchester United, it was a 10-goal swing in the space of four days as the quest to make amends for the historic humiliation at Anfield began promisingly. Demolished 7-0 by Liverpool, they beat Real Betis 4-1 and the dramatic shift in fortunes was personified by Bruno Fernandes.
Villain for some on Merseyside, it was easier to brand him hero here. After the petulance and the push on the assistant referee came the productivity and purpose that rendered him such a talisman. The Portuguese kept the captaincy, with the aid of an endorsement from Erik ten Hag, and the manager could sense some vindication for deeming Fernandes inspirational. This time he led by the right sort of example, with a goal, an assist and a part in Marcus Rashford’s opener.
