What Bruno Fernandes said to Newport star after his goal against Man Utd speaks volumes
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes delivered a clear message to Newport County star Will Evans during last month's FA Cup fourth round clash.
Erik ten Hag's side ran out 4-2 winners at Rodney Parade, although it wasn't plain sailing.
Goals from Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo inside 13 minutes appeared to put United in the driver's seat.
Bryn Morris' deflected effort before halftime unsettled the Red Devils and two minutes after the break, Evans managed to equalise from close range.
Advert
The League Two outfit held their own for 20 minutes until Antony restored United's lead with his first goal of the season after Luke Shaw's strike hit the post.
Rasmus Hojlund added a fourth in injury time to spare the away team's blushes.
Evans sat down to discuss playing against world football's biggest stars on GoalpostsTV, specifically Fernandes.
He's admitted several Liverpool fans in the Newport team were desperate to get into Fernandes and Antony, although the former's attitude left Evans pleasantly surprised.
"Obviously, we've got a few Liverpool fans in our team as well," the 26-year-old said.
"We're saying we can't wait to get into Antony or Bruno, and everyone came off the pitch saying the exact same about all of them.
"Saying they're actually the most genuine... well, they're just normal blokes. Bruno, after I scored my goal, I was running back, and he tapped me on the back and said: 'Good finish, mate'.
"In his post-match interview about Bryn Morris' strike, he said: 'The lad scored a brilliant strike [unbelievable shot] just before half-time'. And you think he didn't have to say that."
Evans later added that United full-back Diogo Dalot impressed him most during the game.
He continued: "Dalot [impressed me the most]. There was a ball that came over my head and it was probably chest height, and I'm watching it the whole way, and I see him in front of me.
"And he just - in the air - back-heeled it back to the 'keeper. And I just thought, what? What chance have I got?
"And he's rapid. He is lightning-quick. I wasn't surprised. Like you said, you're not surprised by it, but he was crazy for me."
United will face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round on February 28.
Topics: Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes, FA Cup
Daniel Marland