Wayne Rooney was full of high praise for Bruno Fernandes and Michael Owen shared the Manchester United legend’s sentiments, but he could not overlook Matheus Cunha either.
Bruno Fernandes was in his element for Manchester United once again and the 31-year-old Red Devils skipper made the “difference” on Sunday for Wayne Rooney.
The Man Utd captain picked up the first of his two assists after Fernandes’ superb cross was met by Casemiro’s header in the second half against Aston Villa.
Fernandes made his presence felt for the second time at Old Trafford after the Portugal international played through Matheus Cunha with a sublime through-ball.
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Matheus Cunha celebrates scoring their second with Bruno Fernandes during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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Wayne Rooney’s reaction to Man Utd’s 3-1 win against Aston Villa cannot ignore the starring role of Bruno Fernandes
Casemiro’s second-half opener was cancelled out 11 minutes after Ross Barkley scored a superb equaliser for Aston Villa in their encounter with Manchester United.
Michael Carrick’s men overcame Ross Barkley’s impact after Matheus Cunha restored the Red Devils’ lead before Benjamin Sesko netted United’s third against Villa.
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Bruno Fernandes’ brace of assists in Sunday afternoon’s 3-1 win have now taken his assist-making tally to an impressive 15 from 28 matches across all competitions.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Wayne Rooney insisted that Fernandes was the “main man” for the Red Devils in their Premier League result at the weekend.
“This was a very important victory for Manchester United,” he said, as per BBC Sport.
“The first half was a bit flat from both teams, and maybe they cancelled each other out, but then, in the second half, United played with more energy.
“The main man for United again, Bruno Fernandes, was the difference.”
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Michael Owen agrees with Wayne Rooney’s praise for Bruno Fernandes, but he was left in awe at Matheus Cunha’s finishing
Cunha had struggled to exert his influence in the Villa match until Fernandes played the perfect pass to him and the 26-year-old Brazilian stepped up in a major way.
The Man Utd summer signing maintained his composure and expertly slotted the ball around Emiliano Martinez and into the bottom right corner of the Villa net.
Michael Owen was on the same wavelength as Rooney for praise towards Fernandes, but the ex-United striker placed the same spotlight on Cunha as well.
“He’s just all class and this is Man Utd at their best, breaking reasonably quick,” he said, as per the Premier League’s official website.
“[Bryan] Mbeumo makes a run, but for Fernandes to spot that ball is quite incredible. [Ezri] Konsa takes that glance and loses his momentum. What a finish that is as well.”
Cunha has netted seven times and registered three assists in 29 matches across all competitions since his stunning £62.5m transfer from Wolves last summer.
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