Bruno Fernandez argued that his Manchester United teammate should have faith next season after a victory over Aston Villa after a disappointing campaign.
Fernandez provided Amado Diallo’s 76-minute opener assist before Christian Eriksen sealed off a victory from a penalty spot in his final appearance at the club.
Unai Emery’s team had what they thought was the controversially ruled out opening goal, with Emiliano Martinez being sent out for the first half of the suspension.
Despite the victory, United are pleased to see back this season. They finished 15th place, the lowest ending position in the Premier League, and scored just 42 points.
They also led to 20 losses in all competitions in the most defeated season of the season and kicked them out of the top flight since losing 22 in 1973-74.
The final defeat of the campaign took place in the Europa League final, defeated 1-0 by Bilbao’s Tottenham Hotspur.
And Fernandez, a standout performer for the Red Devils this season, praised his teammates for his reaction to Wednesday’s defeat.
“It wasn’t just Bilbao, but it was about the full season,” Fernandez told TNT Sports. “That was a huge disappointment for everyone, but the fans are in the first place.
“That’s what we tried to send to players before the game. I just look around and see how special this place is and how lucky we are to be here.
“After a disappointing season and Wednesday disappointment, we had a full stadium, and they were trying to lift us up here, be positive and give our team energy.
“It was about giving a different image in the final game of the season. Obviously, you don’t play with a little more freedom and pressure, as our position doesn’t change much.
“I think everyone played a great game and was very comfortable with the ball. This is a great response and we need to bring this to the next season.”
Fernandez enjoyed an incredible individual campaign, having scored 19 goals and 18 assists in all competitions this season.
Certainly, he supported 10 Premier League goals this season. He was the second time he had many assists in one campaign (12 in 2020-21 as well).
He is also the sixth United player to support 10 or more goals in two or more seasons, along with Eric Cantona, David Beckham (four), Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney (5) and Nani (two).
Portugal International was open about the team’s struggle this season, but reiterated the sentiment of Reuben Amorim, who gave a passionate speech following the conclusion of the game, which claimed that “a bright day is coming.”
“I was talking at the end of the game and that’s what makes me the most frustrating. We can play this way against one of the most consistent teams in the league,” Fernandez said.
“Aston Villa is a very difficult team to play against, and is very well organized, and you can pin them, create opportunities, give nothing.
“It’s hard to understand that we haven’t been able to do this all season, but obviously we understand that there is a lot of pressure to play for this club.
“Today we had the freedom to enjoy it and enjoy it. We wanted to give something back to show our fans that we wanted to be better and more successful.
“We want this belief to enter next season. When the manager says it, the bright day is coming.”
