Fernandes’ multi-faceted role, and different ways of attacking the box in perfect response

A defeat to your biggest rivals will always spur on feelings of disappointment. As will suffering a defeat overseeing a large goal deficit, perhaps with additional humiliation and shock. So when Liverpool thrashed an in-form Manchester United by 7 goals, it, regardless of how it was perceived whilst under the microscope, would bring disappointment, humiliation, and shock. Therefore United’s next display needed to be an immediate return to winning ways, and that they achieved in defeating Real Betis 4-1 in the first-leg of their Europa League second round tie.

United started the same XI that succumbed to the 7-0 drubbing. This was perhaps with the aim for the players to redeem themselves, but on this occasion, it was mostly return to what those watching are used to. Marcus Rashford started on the left side, Wout Weghorst led the attack as the no.9. Bruno Fernandes was also used centrally, but his role in midfield was multi-faceted.