Featured Image Credit: TNT Sports
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Football, Europa League, Athletic Bilbao
Marcus Chan
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Football, Europa League, Athletic Bilbao
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has admitted to going against Ruben Amorim's orders after his side's win over Athletic Club.
On Thursday night, the Red Devils arrived at the Estadio San Mames to take on Athletic Club in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.
Aided by Dani Vivian's red card in the 35th minute, United came away 3-0 winners thanks to a brace from Fernandes and a goal by Casemiro.
As a result, United already have one foot in the final ahead of the second leg, which will take place at Old Trafford next week.
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Speaking after the match, Fernandes admitted that he chose to go against manager Amorim after he was told to relax.
The Portuguese said to TNT Sports: "To be honest, I feel the pressure, every penalty. That's the good thing of football. It's what we have to enjoy.
"When I finish my career, that pressure will go away and I will be much more relaxed."
Fernandes added: "This is what I say every time the manager and the physio tell me to relax and rest, I say, 'no, when I die I will have a lot of time to lie down and rest myself'."
United's second goal of the night was a controversial one as Vivian fouled Rasmus Hojlund inside the area.
However, Athletic Club star Inaki Williams claimed that the penalty should not have been awarded due to a handball by Alejandro Garnacho in the build-up.
He said: "The play before the penalty comes from a handball by Garnacho, which the referee doesn’t see.
"It’s a struggle between Vivian and him. At the slightest contact, he goes down, and it’s unfortunate that he called it."
Despite the big advantage, Amorim has warned his players ahead of the second leg.
He said: "Nobody expected this result but it’s not done. The same result can happen at Old Trafford, and we need to be prepared.
"There is no away goals (rule) so anything can change and that is my message to the players."
This weekend, United are back in Premier League action when they take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon.