Peerless Fernandes takes creative genius to new heights
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Manchester United’s match against Aston Villa in the Premier League
Bruno Fernandes is the ultimate master of his craft. Even when not playing well, he’s better at creating than most. Perhaps even the best in his position in Europe right now.
His latest outing was an exhibition of efficiency. The captain’s goals contributions have been worth 26 points to Manchester United this season, and his pair of assists against Villa changed the course of the game in moments where a step-up was needed most.
Few players can deliver just as accurately from a dead-ball situation as they can from open play. Fernandes is one of them. His corner for Casemiro’s opener was pinpoint. It’s like he sets his sights on a particular team-mate and then choses how to get the ball to them. In the first half he did the same from a corner to pick out Harry Maguire, and Amad nearly scored from the knockdown.
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Matheus Cunha puts Manchester United ahead again in their Premier League clash with Aston Villa
Then there was the first-time pass to free Matheus Cunha, who had run off the back of Ezri Konsa. “Great pass,” said Gary Neville on co-comms, knowing the action was the precursor to another goal. Fernandes makes it all look so easy, just the fourth player to reach a century of assists for Manchester United, and take his tally to 16 for the season.
Chances are these will not be his last. And soon, if not already, an argument will be made for him winning this year’s player of the season award. Is there anyone more deserving?Laura Hunter
Dual demands hurting Villa’s consistencyAston Villa had managed the dual demands of a Premier League top-five chase and Europa League tilt brilliantly for much of this season. They won the subsequent Premier League game after their first seven games in Europe.
But since the start of February – when Villa’s bad run of form began – they have looked like a side…
2026-03-15 20:30:00
