Bruno Fernandes delivers on the big occasion again.

The first half was 45 minutes of sterile Arsenal pressure.

It wasn’t the most thrilling of watches, and a rebellious United crowd quickly grew restless. There wasn’t a clear idea of how the hosts were going to get the ball up the pitch in the face of an excellent Arsenal press.

Amorim’s insistence of a centre-back joining the midfield in the build-up phase continues to baffle, and United were solely reliant on the talents of Fernandes to get upfield. The Portuguese midfielder once again operated deep, supplying a cool head and the ability to escape Gunners pressure before settling Alejandro Garnacho on his way. He at least gave United a footing before an excellent set-piece handed his team an unlikely lead.

Fernandes became the first player to score two direct free-kicks in the Premier League this season.

Sunday’s game was another example แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ of United’s number eight stepping up on the big occasion. Under Ruben Amorim, Fernandes played a key role in their victory at the Etihad and he was particularly brilliant in the 2-2 draw at Anfield. He also scored a fine goal in the Red Devils’ FA Cup win over Arsenal back in January.

The stand-in skipper was perhaps less notable in the second half as United improved drastically as a collective, but Fernandes continued to take responsibility right up until he had the chance to win it for his side in the closing stages.