Erik ten Hag praised Bruno Fernandes' ability to play in several positions after he made a vital contribution from the right wing during the 1-0 victory against Aston Villa.
Fernandes scored the only goal of the game at Old Trafford, but he was a surprise selection on the right of the front three, with Antony dropping to the bench.
The 28-year-old has shown his versatility recently, starting in a deeper position when Casemiro was suspended and switching to the right for this fixture, the seventh time he's played there this season.
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Fernandes also played in that position against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup and in the Premier League success against Manchester City and Ten Hag explained his reasons for using him in that role.
"He can play several roles, from that perceptive, you need players like Bruno to be successful, against Everton he can play from a deeper role, from the side he’s a very good presser, he understands the moment when to close down, when to put an opponent into trouble," he said.
"He knows when to track back and close passing lines, close opponents, even if our press gets beat he tracks back, he can play in between lines and then get behind lines. He has so many skills it’s a pleasure to work with players like him."
Fernandes injured his ankle in the first half of the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton last week, but showed resilience to carry on into extra time and then play in the games that followed against Tottenham and Villa.
Ten Hag praised the spirit of his vice-captain and hit back at the critics who had questioned his suitability for that role recently, especially in the aftermath of the 7-0 defeat to Liverpool.
"I emphasise it all on Thursday, he’s so tough, a couple of weeks ago there was questions about his captaincy, it’s crazy, he’s such a big leader, he gives so much energy to the team," he said.
"His determination, his passion, his resilience, we need such players if you want to win games and make trophies."
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