Advertisement
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes. Rui Vieira

No fear for Bruno Fernandes as he leads Manchester United to Elland Road

Leeds looked on course for a vital victory at Old Trafford last night and the sides meet again on Sunday.

BRUNO FERNANDES IS unafraid of the hostile Elland Road reception that awaits this weekend as Manchester United look to fight back from last night’s frustrating draw with fierce rivals Leeds.

Having been denied regular meetings during the West Yorkshire club’s 16-year Premier League absence, the old foes now find themselves in the unique position of facing each other twice in five days.

Erik ten Hag’s United head along the M62 to Elland Road on Sunday fresh from Wednesday’s pulsating 2-2 draw at Old Trafford, where Leeds had been on course for a famous victory.

A Wilfried Gnonto effort and Raphael Varane’s own goal had the managerless Whites dreaming of victory, only for Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to level as the hosts fell short in their hunt for a winner.

“I think we dominated all game,” skipper Fernandes told the PA news agency.

“They had two goals, they had some more chances but not something really dangerous. I think we controlled (the game) really well. Probably on the counter-press sometimes we could be a little bit more aggressive, a little bit more reactive.

“But I think at the end the team did a great job controlling the game.

We had some chances that a little bit unluckily we couldn’t score from. They had too many players defending, they obviously wasted some time with the goalkeeper.

“That is also part of the game, part of their game, so we have to learn from that and make ourselves be in a position that we can win games without being behind.”

Fernandes’ frustration was mixed with pride at the way United bounced back with the kind of character and spirit that will be needed in West Yorkshire on Sunday.

The Portuguese scored in last season’s 4-2 win at Elland Road, which was hosting a first Premier League fixture between the rivals in front of fans since October 2003.

Leeds fans made themselves heard then and did so throughout Wednesday’s Roses battle but Fernandes is undaunted by what lies in store.

“I’m not really worried. obviously,” he said.

“With this team, the character that we have in this team, the passion, the desire, the togetherness we have, we’re not afraid to go anywhere to play against whatever opponent.

I know that I will be in good hands with all of them. I know that this team will give, will fight back, will give all the best and will not be afraid to play whatever (we face) – the pitch, the stadium or the team.”

The Elland Road encounter will be the fourth fixture of United’s frantic eight-game February schedule that concludes with a shot at Carabao Cup glory against Newcastle.

Fernandes has no complaint about the schedule – “if you want to be in the best teams of the world, to play for winning trophies, you have to be in all competitions,” he said – but knows depth is key.

United were without a number of key players on Wednesday and could again be hit by absentees this weekend, but the return of winger Sancho to the fold is a huge boost.

Recently given time to recover from physical and mental issues, the 22-year-old marked his first league appearance since October with his first goal since September.

“It’s important for everyone because we want as many players as possible available for the team,” Fernandes said of Sancho’s return.

Jadon is getting back, he’s getting his minutes, got his goal. It will hopefully be for us and for him a big boost for the rest of the season because we need everyone at their best.

“We know what Jadon can bring to the team. We know his qualities, what he can give to us, so we’re really happy to have him back on the team.

“Because, as you saw today, he can make a big difference whenever he is playing, from the first 11 or coming off the bench.”

Close
5 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keno
    Favourite Keno
    Report
    Jan 7th 2025, 10:38 AM

    Find a role for him at Ulster.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kingshu
    Favourite Kingshu
    Report
    Jan 7th 2025, 11:02 AM

    @Keno: the Critism of Murphy is he lacks experience as a head coach, if Davidson came in as DoR, it would certainly add that experience.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Meagher
    Favourite Brian Meagher
    Report
    Jan 7th 2025, 12:23 PM

    @Kingshu: Ulster have a serious crop of young forwards, that rival anything in Leinster. Get him in as a forwards coach to compliment the work of Jimmy Duffy.

    11
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Con Cussed
    Favourite Con Cussed
    Report
    Jan 7th 2025, 12:23 PM

    @Kingshu: Yes, this would be a good thing for Ulster and Irish rugby to have someone with the knowledge he has of the French setup.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kingshu
    Favourite Kingshu
    Report
    Jan 7th 2025, 12:49 PM

    @Brian Meagher: at club level he won’t be taking anything lower that Head coach or DoR role, maybe forwards coach of a top international side, but think not for a club side.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Meagher
    Favourite Brian Meagher
    Report
    Jan 7th 2025, 6:42 PM

    @Kingshu: Who knows? It would be a gateway back to coaching in Ireland, and, as i said an exciting group of players to coach (which is half the joy).

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute adizlack93
    Favourite adizlack93
    Report
    Jan 8th 2025, 9:29 AM

    @Brian Meagher: rival anything Leinster have? They have a good bunch but let’s be real please

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Con Cussed
    Favourite Con Cussed
    Report
    Jan 7th 2025, 10:35 AM

    Would he take an attack coach position at Connacht?

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Ennis
    Favourite Paul Ennis
    Report
    Jan 7th 2025, 12:37 PM

    @Con Cussed: Maybe even head coach??

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Con Cussed
    Favourite Con Cussed
    Report
    Jan 7th 2025, 1:07 PM

    @Paul Ennis: LOL but yes!

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel