Bruno Fernandes scored the opening goal in Manchester United's 3-2 comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League and then launched a foul-mouthed defence of his relationship with manager Michael Carrick, dismissing media reports as 'lies'.
The 32-year-old Portuguese midfielder, speaking to Prime Video Sport after the match, said there had been speculation about a rift with Carrick following his omission from the starting line-up for one game. Fernandes had publicly criticised his boss' tactics after United's 4-1 defeat to Como.
Fernandes responds to speculation
"There's been a lot of speculation in the media, a lot of lies around between me and the manager that we had to clear the air," Fernandes said. "None of that happened, the manager took a decision to put me on the bench because I wasn't performing and that's fair, everyone thought it was a punishment for the words that I had and if it was he was right, the manager is the one who makes the decision."
He added: "It doesn't change the belief I have in the manager and the staff and every player in this club and it doesn't change my aim to win every f****** game."
Comeback secured
Fernandes scored a retaken penalty after his first effort was saved and the referee spotted encroachment by a Roma player. Matheus Cunha then scored twice in four minutes to seal United's first win in 10 games.
Fernandes also provided the assist for Cunha's equaliser in the 83rd minute. "It's about performing at this club, getting results and winning games," the midfielder said.
Fans' frustration acknowledged
"It's been a long time, we didn't get a win, it's been frustrating for them as much as us too, but we didn't take that in wrong way because it's normal," Fernandes said. "Fans want to win games. They are used to seeing this club at the top, winning trophies and it's been frustrating to see the club in this situation. We are all frustrated with the situation and we want to get out of this and hopefully this win today gives us the start of something good for us."
United host Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon in their last game before the international break.
