FERNANDES Playing at Old Trafford we don't fear anyone at all

UNITED midfielder Bruno Fernandes ran his socks off against Liverpool, so it felt appropriate that he emerged after the game barefoot in his Adidas flip-flops.

- STEVEN RAILSTON

Fernandes has been ever-present for the Reds since he joined the club in January 2020 and in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, he had the honour of wearing the armband in one of the most memorable games seen at Old Trafford for a decade.

United's 4-3 win over Liverpool had it all and, most importantly, the victory ensured a trophy can still be won this season.

"It was a tough one," a smiling Fernandes told M.E.N. Sport and three other journalists in the mixed zone after the final whistle.

"But we knew playing at Old Trafford we don't fear anyone. We know that Liverpool is in a good moment and it would be tough for us. But we never had disbelief we couldn't win this game."

The players' character was tested against Liverpool and they rose to the occasion under immense pressure. The away side led 2-1 at halftime, despite Scott McTominay scoring an early goal, and they looked set to progress until Antony equalised in the 87th minute.

Liverpool took the lead again in extra time, but goals from Marcus Rashford and Amad in the second half of extra time won the game in extraordinary circumstances.

Amad's minutes have been limited since his return from injury but his matchwinner was worth waiting for. "He got his reward because he's doing the right things," Fernandes said about the winger.

"When you do the right things, you get a chance, and what is yours comes to you. He deserves it, unfortunately, he got sent off, but it's part of the moment and part of being young.