Fernandes aims goal jibe at Martial after missing out on second assist

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes aimed a tongue-in-cheek joke at Anthony Martial, after the striker failed to reward his teammate with a second assist against Watford on Sunday.

Having opened his United account from the penalty spot in the first half, Fernandes narrowly missed out on an assist for Martial in the second half.

The Frenchman’s first effort after receiving a pass from the midfielder was saved by Hornets goalkeeper Ben Foster, but the attacker made no mistake immediately after with his chipped finish.

Fernandes did set up Mason Greenwood’s goal late on, however, after a one-two with the 18-year-old as United stepped up their chase for a top four spot come the end of the season.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Ferandes insisted that, joking aside, his top priority was to help his side win games.

“This is the day every player wants to have. I feel lucky to score, I feel lucky to win the game,” the midfielder said.

“We all gave our best, we did an excellent game and finally I have my first home win.

“I just need to help the team, it’s what I want to do, it’s what I need to do.

“I hope Anthony [Martial] scores more goals like when I passed to him and he missed the ball and the goal, but took the ball again.

 

“If he scores it’s two assists [for me] – last week he says you never score with my assists but I think it isn’t my fault tonight.”

Fernandes opened the scoring in style, coolly slotting his penalty past Foster, but revealed that there was more up his sleeve than fancy spot-kicks.

“It’s the way I shoot a penalty, it’s where I feel confident shooting this way,” he said. “I do not shoot just that way but it felt the best way today and I just try and I’m lucky to score.”

On his side’s hunt for a Champions League place, Fernandes said: “Everyone knows we want to get the Champions League – it’s not new and I’m just here to help the team to conquer this place and keep winning games.”

Elsewhere, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was thoroughly pleased by what he saw from Fernandes.

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