MANCHESTER UNITED fans declared “my captain” after “classy” Bruno Fernandes admitted he was trying to set up a goal for Ethan Wheatley on his debut.
The striker, 18, came off the bench in last night’s 4-2 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford.
United fell behind twice in a thriller at the Theatre of Dreams.
But after Harry Maguire netted their first goal just before half-time, the Red Devils’ blushes were spared thanks to a double from Fernandes and a late strike from Rasmus Hojlund.
The result banished the demons of Sunday’s narrow penalty shootout win over Championship side Coventry in the FA Cup semis.
And fans had even more reason to cheer when Wheatley made his bow late on.
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The teenager has lit up the pitch for United’s U18s and U21s this season.
In total, he has 10 goals in all youth competitions.
And two of those came in Tuesday’s Premier League Cup final as United’s U18s beat Man City in front of England legend Wayne Rooney and new Devils chief Jason Wilcox.
Wheatley had already been on United’s senior bench twice this term.
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But his impressive performance in the youth final finally saw him rewarded with a senior debut against the Blades.
Wheatley was unable to mark his bow with a goal.
Yet it appeared clear that United captain Fernandes was trying to constantly play him in during his brief time on the pitch.
And Wheatley confirmed as much during his post-match interview.
He said: “He (Fernandes) pulled me to the side and said ‘I’ve got nine minutes to try to get you a goal’.
“So I was just trying to get into positions for him and obviously it didn’t come, but hopefully soon.”
Fernandes also admitted he got carried away trying to get Wheatley a strike at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese midfielder declared: “I think at the end of the game I got a bit too erratic to try and give him a goal. It’s a young kid coming through the academy.
“I know the moment is massive for him and I think getting a goal in his first appearance would be massive.
“I couldn’t give the assist to him, I tried, at moments I rushed it a little bit too much but I’m sure that in the future if he gets more chances, he will get goals too.”
This sparked a flurry of positive comments from fans, who were delighted with Fernandes’ attitude.
One said: “It was obvious Bruno was looking to pass to him. My captain!”
Another declared: “Truly one of the nicest humans at our club, that too in a player of his class makes it extra special.”
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One noted: “Never let this fella go, absolute mammoth of a mentality.”
Another added: “Manchester United through and through.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
