MANCHESTER UNITED fans hailed “filthy” Bruno Fernandes for his classy assist for Kobbie Mainoo.
The Red Devils skipper produced a moment of magic six minutes before half-time to fire his side 2-0 in front against rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
YOU COULDN'T WRITE IT
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 25, 2024
Academy graduate, Kobbie Mainoo scores in the #EmiratesFACup Final for @ManUtdpic.twitter.com/d68cAKvaE8
Alejandro Garnacho – who capitalised on a defensive mix-up to put United in front on the half-hour mark – played a simple ball into Fernandes who had acres of space on the very edge of the box.
And with one, exquisite touch, the Portuguese playmaker made a first-time, no-look reverse pass to teenager Mainoo.
And the academy graduate, not picked up by Kyle Walker, opened his body to slot home in style, sparking wild scenes at Wembley.
Wayne Rooney, on punditry duties for BBC, labelled United’s second as an “unbelievable goal”.
He said: “That pass from Bruno Fernandes is incredible.
“Not many players in world football could make that pass.”
Even Roy Keane, so notoriously hard to please, heaped on praise.
The Irishman added: “That’s where his brilliance is.
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“A lot of players drift in and try and pick a team-mate out but can’t do it, they pass behind somebody.
“He gives him the perfect pass for a one-touch finish.
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“Simple, brilliant, effective, lovely.”
Gary Lineker and Ian Wright both pointed out Fernandes’ scanning in the build-up of the attack before delivering the special lay-off.
United supporters were also quick to hail Fernandes’ expert involvement.
One wrote: “The pass from Rashford was great but that pass from Bruno was unbelievable. KDB wishes he could play football like that. Bruno Fernandes that was amazing.”
Another commented: “By the way, what a disguised pass from Bruno Fernandes there. Insane, world-class baller.”
A third rejoiced: “Bruno Fernandes that assist is OUTRAGEOUS.”
A fourth hailed: “The vision. The execution. The pass. Bruno Fernandes are you mad??”
A fifth typed: “Now that pass from Bruno is what you call ‘intelligence’.”
The art of scanning
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) May 25, 2024
Bruno Fernandes knew exactly where Mainoo was for that goal #FACupFinal | #EmiratesFACup | #MCIMUN pic.twitter.com/A2evFNiiQ3
And a final user replied: “We need to talk about this pass from Bruno Fernandes 
.”
Fernandes’ future was among the big storylines going into the blockbuster derby final – as well as that of his manager Erik ten Hag.
Earlier this month, SunSport exclusively revealed that Fernandes is considering a summer move after four-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford.
And in an article just days before the final, he dropped his biggest hint yet that he is ready to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Fernandes said: “I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club.
“If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league.
“We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals. That is the standard.
“That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.”
