Bruno Fernandes explains why Man City equaliser correctly stood

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes has insisted his goal in Saturday’s 2-1 win at home to Manchester City was correctly allowed to stand.

The Red Devils fell behind in the derby to a Jack Grealish header, before roaring back late on to complete a memorable comeback.

There was a touch of controversy about their equaliser, however. Casemiro’s through ball forward was intended for Marcus Rashford, who was stood far ahead of the City backline and well offside. However, he left the ball for Fernandes to strike past Ederson, and after a VAR check, the goal was given. Rashford would then score the winner minutes later.

Speaking to BT Sport post-match, Fernandes explained why he thought the equaliser was given.

“I think because I was facing the goal, Marcus thought I was in a better position,” he said as to why Rashford left the ball.

“I didn’t know if any of us were offside or not, but it didn’t make a difference because no one was close to him, so the team [Man City] has to defend. The only one close was one close to me.”

Fernandes added: “Honestly, it’s always important to win the game. As the manager said before the game. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, what matters is winning and we did it. It was an amazing comeback, a great effort from the team.

“I said it before the game to the team: ‘we look like a team now’. Some time ago, sometimes you saw a team, sometimes we looked a bit for ourselves. Now you see a team that works hard for each other. You see that it pays.”