On a bitterly disappointing night for Manchester United in January, goals by Chris Wood and Jay Rodriguez condemned the Red Devils to an embarrassing loss to Burnley. It was Burnley’s first win at Old Trafford, leaving the fans furious and bitter.
And for the first time at Old Trafford, the chanting and atmosphere turned toxic, with a section of fans booing the team down the tunnel.
Rio Ferdinand termed the pathetic performance by United as indefensible, saying Ole Gunnar’s charges had no excuse whatsoever for the shambolic show. Darren Fletcher wasn’t amused either. He was, however, experiencing a toxic mood at Old Trafford, a first of its kind, with fans turning their anger against Edward Woodward.
It was a defeat that left United 14 points adrift second-placed Leicester. But that was back in January. Things have since changed, Leicester just a point above Manchester United.
United looked pathetic
The display at Villa Park on Thursday night was convincing and assuring, reminiscing of a United side used to be a nightmare for clubs with their devastating counter-attacks.
Back in January, the mood at Old Trafford was gloomy and dull, with fans wishing the season could end and fall behind them.
Gary Neville was concerned at the amount of investment put into the squad, yet nothing substantive was coming forth. However, he still believed then that Manchester United would turn things around were they to get a few exceptional players.
While Gary Neville thought that United needed at least five signings to turn around their season, it turns out that there is only one signing and an academy graduate engineering the club’s transformation.
Bruno Fernandez on the wheel
We can’t forget that the Portugal midfielder had a memorable debut at Old Trafford, earning the man of the match award. And while his display on Thursday’s win against Villa wasn’t the most impressive we’ve seen, it’s hard not to notice the magic in the boots.
You have to go back to United’s game against Brighton in which the Red Devils brushed aside a hapless Brighton, picking up a comfortable three points.
Maybe the night’s highlight was the devastating counter-attack rounded up by an emphatic volley from Bruno Fernandez. The third goal for United, and Bruno’s second of the night, was a clear indication the counter-attacking mojo was slowly creeping back at the Carrington grounds.
It was a counter-attack worthy of any premier league top sides, a moment of magic capped by a breathtaking volley from Bruno Fernandez.
He’s breathing a new life into a midfield that was blowing hot and cold while providing Pogba with acres of space to provide those long-range passes and assists at his leisure.
Paul Pogba curled the ball from the edge of the box, easing past a helpless Pepe Reina for United’s third goal. The assist, made from a close range, came from Bruno Fernandez, who had been enterprising the whole night.
Greenwood and Fernandez charm
Greenwood, an academy graduate, is thriving under Ole Gunnar, banging in goals and creating chances. He’s since scored 16 goals since his introduction into the senior team, sparking a ray of hope for a United’s frontline that has looked blunt and uninspiring for the better part of the season.
Fernandez and Greenwood have altered the course of United’s season. More than ever, Paul Pogba is playing with more urgency and calmness that has eluded him for quite some time. Antony Martial is getting the supplies upfront, and Nemanja Matic looks more comfortable in the midfield.
It looks like the main concerns have been addressed. They look more comfortable in possession and devastating on counter-attacks.
And maybe, the rebuilding process has just begun.
