Bruno Fernandes has explained why Alejandro Garnacho did not celebrate his goal in the 3-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday.
Ruud van Nistelrooy signed off as United interim boss with a comfortable win, with both Fernandes and Garnacho on target either side of an own goal from Victor Kristiansen.
Garnacho did not start the fixture and entered the fray in the 57th minute, replacing Marcus Rashford. He scored his seventh goal of the season to seal the win, curling a stunning strike into the top corner after Fernandes fed him on the left.
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But after such an excellent individual goal, the Argentina international decided against celebrating - with many feeling it was as a result of recent criticism from fans.
He was recently involved in an exchange with a supporter who patronised Garnacho, telling him to "pass better, score a goal and work on your first touch".
After the game, captain Fernandes was seen in deep conversation with the Garnacho - before Amad Diallo came over to embrace the pair.
And post-match, Fernandes confirmed the reason why Garnacho gave a muted celebration having scored his his best goal of the season so far.
Speaking to BBC, he said: "Garnacho scored a banger but didn't celebrate like he should because he thinks he has lost faith from some fans. I told him people will always moan but lots of people like you and enjoy what you do.
"I told him to celebrate, it was something special. He is a special player, we have difference makers. They are the ones who win us games. We want them to score every game but that isn't going to happen."
This season Garnacho has 11 goal contributions for United, who moved up to 13th in the table with the win. New manager Ruben Amorim officially takes the reins on November 11, a day after his final fixture with Sporting CP.
Topics: Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho
Josh Lawless