Man Utd star hands Solskjaer hint over blossoming Fernandes partnership

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has explained how his relationship with teammate Bruno Fernandes is beginning to blossom.

Fernandes has had a stunning impact since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon, scoring three goals and assisting four others in nine appearances.

The Portugal international’s latest assist saw him set up Odion Ighalo for United’s first in their 5-0 Europa League thrashing of LASK on Thursday.

Fernandes and Mata were both influential in Austria as the Red Devils effectively sealed their progression to the quarter-finals and the latter has outlined how the pair could develop their understanding in further matches.

“I think we understand football in the same way,” Mata told the Daily Star.

“We like to play the same way, passing and moving and giving lines.

“We like playing with each other and looking for our forwards in behind like we did with Dan [James] today and with Odion who scored a fantastic goal also.”

Asked about Fernandes and fellow January arrival Ighalo’s impacts on their teammates, Mata continued: “It’s great to have Bruno in the team, and also Odion who is scoring in almost every single game that he plays.

“They’re great guys, and we’re very happy now with them in the team.”

 

 

United were scheduled to face Tottenham on Sunday in a crunch Premier League clash that has now been postponed due to the spread of coronavirus.

All top-flight matches, as well as those in the Championship, League One, League Two and Womens’ Super League, have been called off until April 3.

Elsewhere, UEFA announced that next week’s Champions League last 16 second leg ties have also been postponed, with Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid and Chelsea’s trip to Munich affected.

READ MORE: Solskjaer sarcastically quiet on Man Utd’s injuries in Mourinho jibe