Bruno Fernandes explains what Manchester United changed after Roma initially surprised them. ‘We didn’t expect them to be so aggressive.’
The Giallorossi had been 2-1 up at half-time with a Lorenzo Pellegrini penalty and Edin Dzeko tap-in, but losing Jordan Veretout, Pau Lopez and Leonardo Spinazzola to injury in the first 37 minutes left them with no more substitutions.
Bruno Fernandes explains what Manchester United changed after Roma initially surprised them. ‘We didn’t expect them to be so aggressive.’
The Giallorossi had been 2-1 up at half-time with a Lorenzo Pellegrini penalty and Edin Dzeko tap-in, but losing Jordan Veretout, Pau Lopez and Leonardo Spinazzola to injury in the first 37 minutes left them with no more substitutions.
Former Sampdoria midfielder Bruno Fernandes scored twice and came close to a hat-trick in the 6-2 victory.
“I think the first half we started strong, we created some chances along with our goal. Then we conceded twice on two counter-attacks, but did well to stay calm and then did what we do best after the break – keep the ball and create scoring opportunities,” Fernandes told Sky Sport Italia.
“We didn’t let ourselves get caught up in the tension. We kept our heads. We didn’t expect Roma to be so aggressive, to press so high.
“We did better in the second half to find players between the lines, move the ball quickly and find those spaces. Roma were really unlucky, as they lost three players to injury and I saw at the end for example Amadou Diawara was totally exhausted. He couldn’t run at all, but he had no choice, as there were no more substitutions.
“We made the most of the situation and scored some late goals.”
Fernandes already beat Milan in the quarter-final and discussed his lasting love for Italy.
“I was very happy in Italy and improved so much there. I grew in terms of mentality to fight for big objectives at Sporting, then made the step up to Manchester United. The club had faith in me, the fans believed in me from the first day.
“When you are a player, knowing people have faith in you makes a big difference.”