Bruno Fernandes put Manchester United’s 2-1 comeback win over Barcelona down to a “bouncing” Old Trafford on Thursday.
Due to the Portuguese midfielder’s tug on Alejandro Balde, the hosts fell behind in the first half. Robert Lewandowski converted the penalty for Barcelona.
But after the break, United turned things around to win 4-3 on the whole and advance to the round of 16, thanks to goals from Fred and Antony.
A boisterous Old Trafford supported Erik ten Hag’s team the entire time, and Fernandes was quick to acknowledge the support afterward.
“The belief in the team is always there,” he told BT Sport. “The belief from the fans, for us, is amazing. They [have] pushed us through difficult moments this season.
“They’ve been with us in the toughest moments. This season, we have been good, really good. This is something different, between them and us.
“We have something special, because they can see we are doing all we can to win games for them. Old Trafford was bouncing, and that’s why we got the result.”
This is a @Fred08Oficial appreciation post. #MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/Yz8kaOblRR
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 23, 2023
For United, there is limited time to dwell on such a momentous result — their first win over Barcelona since April 2008 — as they turn focus towards Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Newcastle United.
With a chance to end the club’s six-year silverware drought this weekend, fellow midfielder Fred acknowledges they must refocus quickly to stay on track.
“[It was a] good game today,” he added. “[But] we need to keep going. We have a final on Sunday. We need to change our mind [ahead] of the final.”