Bittersweet for matchwinner Bruno
Bruno Fernandes was delighted and disappointed after Manchester United’s close 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion.
Our matchwinner from the penalty spot against the Baggies was kicking himself that he missed the first 12-yard challenge with the Reds’ former FA Youth Cup-winning goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, but was pleased his second conversion won the game for United and recorded our first home triumph of the 2020/21 Premier League season.
The Portuguese attacker spoke to club media and BT Sport after the victory and insists there is more in United’s bank than was on display against Slaven Bilic’s side who remain rooted in the relegation zone of the Premier League.
“Of course it is really important to us to win this game. First of all not because it was our first league win at Old Trafford but because we needed to get points in the league,” declared Bruno.
“It was a tough game. We can do much better. We created a lot but we have the qualities to do much better.”
Fernandes was at the centre of two big VAR penalty moments, the first when he was initially adjudged to have felled West Brom’s Conor Gallagher in the 46th minute. Referee David Coote gave the spot-kick but was instructed by VAR to have another look at the pitchside monitor. Coote then overturned his decision.
“In the first moment I touched the ball and after I touched the ball I have not seen the images since, but in that first moment I feel like I have touched the ball and then after the player,” explained Bruno.
Our no.18 was angry with himself when he needed two attempts to convert our match-winning penalty in the 56th minute. Johnstone saved the first effort but VAR ruled he was off his line before Fernandes took the kick and ordered the retake. And Bruno made no mistake with the second.
So how was he feeling at the time when the first was saved?
“Not good. You need to do it the first time,” he insisted.
“It doesn’t matter that the keeper comes off the line, I’m not happy I didn’t score the first time. Okay, I scored the second one but I need to score the second one.
“At this point the most important thing is the three points. It was the most important but we know we can do much better and we will do for sure.”