Bruno Fernandes insists he can play with ‘quality’ Donny van de Beek after Man Utd new-boy’s impressive first Prem start
BRUNO FERNANDES insisted he can play with Donny van de Beek after Manchester United’s dramatic comeback at Southampton.
New boy Van de Beek had an impressive afternoon in his first Premier League start for United.
And Fernandes was quick to praise the Dutchman after the game.
He also quashed suggestions the pair cannot play together in Paul Pogba’s absence.
Speaking after the 3-2 win at the Saints, Fernandes said: “Every midfielder in our team has quality.
“Donny has a lot of quality. We know we can play together and also with other players we have.
“Everyone has quality to play and we know each other. We can play with three today then switch and play the next game with another three or another four.
“It doesn’t matter because all of them have quality and we can all be together on the pitch, everyone can make a difference.
“Donny today played a really good game but Fred and Nemanja [Matic] were really important to us.”
Edinson Cavani came on at half-time at St Mary’s and had a huge impact.
Most read in Football
The Reds were 2-0 down at the time thanks to Jan Bednarek and James Ward-Prowse’s goals for the home side.
But just 15 minutes after coming on Cavani crossed for Fernandes to slot home United’s first.
The two linked up again on 74 minutes when Fernandes drilled a ball into the box and the Uruguayan stooped to steer it home with his head.
And Cavani capped off a perfect half with another header – a glanced effort from Marcus Rashford’s cross – to give United all three points in the 94th minute.
Cavani is facing an FA ban for an alleged racist slur he posted online after the game.
And Van de Beek showed off his swollen ankle online after a nasty challenge from Ward-Prowse.
Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford