“We know that we have been in a tough bit of momentum, but we knew we could come back from it. Obviously today the performance was not the best, but we got the three points, which is the most important thing.”
Both Fernandes and Ten Hag will hope that this win is the start of a revival that results in a climb up the table.
United started this game without the injured Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mason Mount. Jadon Sancho continues to train with the youngsters after his public spat with Ten Hag, while Antony is on a leave of absence after accusations of abuse made by three women. Raphaël Varane and deadline day loan signing Sofyan Amrabat were only able to start on the substitutes’ bench before being thrust into the action late in the second half.
It is clear that United have injury and availability issues that have contributed to their problems. If Ten Hag could have more players as reliable as Fernandes, it would transform United’s prospects.
As long as he stays fit and available, though, United will have hope of better days ahead.
