Manchester United Captain, Bruno Fernandes has opined that they were better than Arsenal despite losing 1-0 at Old Trafford to the Gunners, Softfootball reports.
The Red Devils showed no signs of a side that finished 15th last season as they pinned the Gunners back with swift attacking football but it was Mikel Arteta’s men that snatched the win through a Riccardo Calafiori header after William Saliba put goalkeeper Altay Bayindir under pressure.
Speaking to Manchester United’s official club media, Fernandes was proud of his teammates and how they performed against the side that has finished second for three consecutive times in the premier league.
He explained:
“It’s the first game of the season, so we can’t speak about step forward We did a lot of good things, but obviously, [it] wasn’t enough.
“We concede a goal from a set-piece in the first half, and I think from there on, Arsenal didn’t have any good chances, they didn’t create any good chances.
“We were defending very well, I think. Again, we created too many chances without scoring, so that’s a point we have to look at and make it better next time.”
“I think we control [the game] well.
“We were very good on the ball and, as I said, we created some chances, but we didn’t score. I think that’s the main negative of the game for us today.”
Mattheus Cunha and Brfyan Mbeumo made their full competitive debuts for Manchester United and Fernandes was impressed by their contribution while expecting more in the next games.
The 30-year-old said:
“They did very well. Obviously, we know what they can give to the team, we know the qualities they have. They are a big threat on the ball.
“It’s the beginning still, but they will create more and do more for us, I’m very sure, because the quality of them is very high.”
Asked about the impact of the fans inside the packed inside Old Trafford, he replied:
“It was brilliant. When I finished the game, which gave me hope of the season being different, and being very good for us.
“The way, when we went around and into the tunnel, they [the fans] gave us help in that.
“So, now, [the] next game for us is very important to give something back to them too.”
Manchester United will move with this confidence into their next match against Fulham in the Premier League match-day 2.
