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Bruno Fernandes helped himself to a double in a 4-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir, but it was the underused Dutchman who stole the show.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sent a rallying cry to his players in his program notes that Manchester United could not afford a repeat of the Istanbul disaster at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
But the Norwegian didn’t have to worry.
The Champions League is where their players seem to feel most comfortable. While they have struggled at Old Trafford in the Premier League, winning only once there so far this season, they are a different animal in home games in European competition, following a 5-0 demolition of RB Leipzig. with this 4-1 win. of Istanbul Basaksehir.
Significantly, Solskjaer only needed to make two changes to completely alter the dynamics of the team that had become a “below average” performance by defeating West Brom 1-0 on Saturday.
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Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani, who were making their first start with the club, replaced Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata and it was remarkable to witness their combined effect on the fluidity of United’s attack.
While the hosts were industrious and lethargic against West Brom, they were full of vigor against Basaksehir, as they posted three wins out of four in Group H.
Cavani’s deft touches brought class back to United’s front row, but it was Van de Beek who really stole the show.
Ajax’s summer signing was making his fifth outing in all competitions, having had to settle for a reserve role to date, but it was the glue that held everything together.
Solskjaer has been repeatedly asked why the Dutchman does not have more playing time and after another impressive display there will be an outcry for Van de Beek to keep his place in midfield when United travel to St Mary’s on Sunday. to face Southampton.
He’s much more progressive than Matic, while his vision and effective passing between the lines can link attacks in a way his teammate can’t.
While Van van Beek deserves great credit for pulling the strings in midfield, it would be remiss not to mention Bruno Fernandes, who was once again decisive.
It says all about his performances since joining United that scoring a double is considered normal night work for the 26-year-old. Still, even by his high standards, his first goal was outstanding.
“ Football is nothing without fans, ” read the cover of the match day program and the first match deserved to be greeted by an almighty roar from Old Trafford rather than relative silence, with Fernandes crashing the ball off the edge. from the area after just seven minutes of play.
It was the Portuguese’s 20th goal for the club since their debut in February and possibly the sweetest. For a player who is supposed to only score penalties, it was an incredible shot, as he demonstrated perfect technique by hitting the ball on the rebound and leaving Mert Gunok in Basaksehir’s goal with no chance.
Fernandes didn’t have to wait long for his 21st goal in the United jersey either. Gunok’s gift dropped an Alex Telles cross, giving Fernandes a touch from six yards that he was never going to miss.
He could have had a hat-trick as well, but his selfless team ethic was highlighted 17 minutes later when he passed a penalty, rather than giving the ball to Marcus Rashford, who converted a penalty that he himself had won.
It says everything about the importance of Fernandes for this side that they seemed to lose their intensity and focus once they took him out shortly before the hour mark.
Indeed, it was no surprise to see Deniz Turuc disallow a goal for the visitors from a free kick in the 74th minute and, moments later, Edin Visca issued a warning signal that the Turkish team were not dead and still buried by a rattle. the crossbar.
However, United, who made the most of the five-substitution rule in the second half, survived a late surge of pressure and Daniel James appeared in injury time with his first goal since March to ensure they took their well-deserved three. points.
Solskajer’s team leads Group H, three points behind Paris Saint-Germain and Leipzig. A point at home to first would be enough to secure a place in the round of 16.
However, the focus now shifts to the weekend and whether United can follow a positive performance in Europe with one in the Premier League.
Your hopes of doing well may hinge on a certain Dutchman getting a second straight outing.
Now it’s your turn, Ole …
