However, Fernandes not only clashed with his manager before the second half but also had an encounter with Everton legend Derek Mountfield. ..Continue Reading
The former centre-back was honored on the pitch during the break as an ‘Everton Giant,’ celebrating his achievements of winning two First Division titles, an FA Cup, and a Cup Winners’ Cup with the club.
Mountfield’s playful antics after the ceremony didn’t sit well with Fernandes, who was understandably frustrated, staring at the prospect of a ninth defeat in 13 Premier League games.
According to The Athletic, Mountfield pretended to elbow the straight-faced United players as they emerged from the narrow tunnel for the second half.
Fernandes took exception to this and approached the 62-year-old, demanding respect for his teammates.
The report mentions that Mountfield responded with a foul-mouthed retort, questioning Fernandes’ identity.
This incident highlighted the current troubled state of United, a club that has been subject to widespread mockery since the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s era of dominance and subsequent 12 years of decline.
The Red Devils would have dropped to 16th in the Premier League after West Ham United’s shocking 1-0 win at Arsenal, if not for a late comeback.
Ultimately, Fernandes had the last laugh, silencing Mountfield and the Everton fans with a stellar performance.
The Portuguese playmaker outwitted Jordan Pickford with a precise free-kick, set up by Patrick Dorgu’s powerful run down the left flank.
Less than 10 minutes later, Manuel Ugarte celebrated his first goal since joining United from Paris Saint-Germain in a £50 million deal last summer.
United maintained their momentum and seemed poised to score a third goal, ending Everton’s resurgence under David Moyes.
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