Ben Foster admits he was well-beaten by Fernandes Man Utd masterclass

Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster has admitted that he was taken by surprise by Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes’ pace in Sunday’s Premier League clash.

Fernandes got his United tenure up and running at Old Trafford with the opening goal and an assist as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side boosted their chances of a top-four finish this season.

Portugal international Fernandes was in a good mood after the match and aimed a joke at teammate Anthony Martial for denying him a second assist.

As for Fernandes’ goal contribution, the opener came from a penalty won following a swift counter-attack which ended when the midfielder was tripped by Foster after taking the ball past the goalkeeper.

Speaking to Watford’s official website, Foster said that he did not expect to be beaten to the ball by his opponent.

I’d say the first goal was a mistake from me, I should have held back really. I just thought I could get there, but he was really quick and got there first,” the 36-year-old said.

“The second half was disappointing, and we didn’t recover from the disallowed goal. We thought we’d got back into it, but it wasn’t to be, and we let our heads drop.”

The result left Watford a point adrift of safety in the Premier League table and Foster has admitted that there is a fight on to keep the Hornets in the top flight.

 

 

“It’s going to be a scrap to the end of the season,” he said.

“We gave them too much time and respect. We have to keep our heads up and keep fighting.”

United return to Europa League action on Thursday having drawn 1-1 with Club Brugge in the first leg of the last 32 tie between the sides last week.

In other news, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has spoken out following the release of the club’s financial results for the second quarter of the year.

The Red Devils made three signings last month with youngster Nathan Bishop joining long-term target, £47million man Bruno Fernandes and deadline-day recruit Odion Ighalo.

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