MANCHESTER UNITED fans declared “my captain” after “elegant” Bruno Fernandes admitted he was trying to score a goal for Ethan Wheatley on his debut.
The 18-year-old striker came off the bench in last night’s 4-2 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford.
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United twice fell behind in a thriller at the Theater of Dreams.
But after Harry Maguire scored the opener just before half-time, the Red Devils’ blushes were spared thanks to a Fernandes double and a late Rasmus Hojlund strike.
The result banished the demons of Sunday’s penalty shootout victory over Championship side Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finals.
And fans had even more reason to celebrate when Wheatley took his bow later.
The teenager has lit up the pitch for United’s under-18s and under-21s this season.
In total he scored 10 goals in all youth competitions.
And two of those came in Tuesday’s Premier League Cup final, when United’s under-18s beat Man City against English legend Wayne Rooney and new Devils boss Jason Wilcox.
Wheatley has been on United’s main bench twice this season.
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But his impressive performance in the youth final finally saw him rewarded with a senior debut against the Blades.
Wheatley failed to mark his arc with a goal.
Even so, it seemed clear that United captain Fernandes was trying to constantly field him during his brief time on the pitch.
And Wheatley confirmed this during his post-game interview.
He said: “He (Fernandes) pulled me aside and said ‘I’ve got nine minutes to try and score a goal for you’.
“So I was just trying to position myself for him and obviously that didn’t happen, but hopefully soon.”
Fernandes also admitted he got carried away trying to get a strike for Wheatley at Old Trafford.
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The Portuguese midfielder declared: “I think at the end of the game I was a little erratic trying to score a goal.
“I know the moment is important for him and I think scoring a goal in his first appearance would be incredible.
“I couldn’t give him the assist, I tried, at times I rushed a little too much, but I’m sure that in the future, if he has more chances, he will also score goals.”
This generated a flood of positive comments from fans, who were delighted with Fernandes’ attitude.
One said: “It was obvious that Bruno wanted to pass it to him. My captain!”
Another declared: “Truly one of the nicest humans at our club, that too in a player of his class makes him even more special.”
One noted: “Never let this guy go, absolute mammoth mentality.”
Another added: “Manchester United through and through.”
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