The Captain Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United was understandably delighted after their 3-0 win to Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final first leg of the Europa League on Thursday.
Fernandes scored a brace in the first half when United went in three during the break, while the hosts had sent defender Dani Vivian after he had given away a penalty and was supposed to be unable to try to play the ball.
After the result, Bilbao de Hoop hangs to return to their home stadium for the final on a thread.
“You can never predict such a score. Very difficult team, the atmosphere was crazy. I knew they were very passionate, but never knew it was,” Fernandes told TNT Sport after the game.
“The result for us was incredible. We should push a little more in the second half, but we checked the game and that's good.
“For us it was brilliant to stay on the ball and they won't press as they preferred. If they press, we could play through it. We were a bit slow on the ball, but they wanted to keep the result if this to come back to the next game.”
34 – Only Mohamed Salah (56) has scored or helped more goals this season for Premier League clubs in all competitions than Bruno Fernandes (34 – 18 goals, 16 assists). Talisman. pic.twitter.com/ombc7r1uee
– Optajoe (@Optajoe) May 1, 2025
His brace on Thursday brought the Portuguese to 34 targets for all competitions this season (18 goals and 16 assists).
It marks an impressive season for the Captain of Manchester United, who lasted until the end of October to get his first goal of the season in every competition.
“I knew I was in the 1930s, but I didn't know how much exactly. It is a large part of my game and I have to take that responsibility. The club bought me because I scored 32 goals in a season,” he said.
“Sporting is a huge club, but United is a global club. Incredibly the attention and pressure we get.
“I feel the pressure. That is the good thing about football and that is what we should enjoy. If I finish my career that will disappear and I will be much more relaxed.
“If I die, I will have a lot of time to lie with myself!”