2 weeks ago
10
Bruno Fernandes has suggested Manchester United's impressive first-half display left Liverpool fans so frustrated they turned on their own players during the Premier League clash at Anfield.
Harry Maguire's late header proved decisive as Ruben Amorim's side secured a memorable 2-1 triumph, with Cody Gakpo having earlier equalized after Bryan Mbeumo's opening strike. The Red Devils were particularly impressive during the opening 45 minutes and created numerous chances to extend their advantage. Fernandes reckons United's tactical approach led to sections of the home support becoming critical of their team's performance.
"It's always good to win games," he commented. "We know what this kind of games means for our club and fans and also for ourselves in the moment we are right now.
"It's really important because we needed three points. We know what it means for the fans and for the club to play this kind of rivalry.
"It's been a long time since the club won at Anfield. It's very important and happy to do it today.
"We knew we had to win our duels. In the first 10 to 15 minutes, we knew they would try to start the game very strong.
"During the first half, we knew they were under pressure when they had time on the ball.
"Their fans were putting themselves in a difficult position because they were booing a little for them to play a bit quicker. That's how Liverpool likes to play.
"We wanted to slow down their game and it would give us massive spaces down the middle. And we had to enjoy that. On the ball, we played very well in the first half. The second half we could have played a bit better.
"Our shape always gives issues to teams. It's ungrateful to talk about the shape when we lose the games, it's ungrateful to talk about the shape when we win the games.
"We always believe in the system, either when we win or lose the game. It's about doing the right things in the right moments.
"We had to suffer during in the game, but we had to believe in what we prepared for the game would give us the win here.
"It's not going to mean anything if we don't win the game. We need to do it every week. We know the demand of this club is very high.
"Everyone was weird about back-to-back wins, but we have to focus on the next game. It was good to win to be closer in the table to where we want to be."
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