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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has apologised to FPL fantasy managers who had the Portuguese in their team. The 29-year-old squandered a few presentable openings and didn't register a goal contribution.
In a cagey affair in the first Premier League game of the new season on Friday (August 16), Erik ten Hag's side looked set to open their campaign with a goalless stalemate. However, Alejandro Garnacho set up debutant Joshua Zirkzee in the 87th minute.
It was the Red Devils' 22nd opening-day win in Premier League history, collecting 70 points, both tallies being more than any other side.
Fernandes had a rather uncharacteristic outing, registering six attempts on goal, including two gilt-edged opportunities, one of which was a one-on-one in the 34th minute saved by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Expressing his satisfaction to mark his Old Trafford return with a win, Fernandes also told his FPL managers that he would fare better in the future, posting on Instagram:
"Nothing beats the feeling of being back at Old Trafford. Ps: fantasy league managers that trust me sorry for yesterday… I will repay you"
Despite Fernandes underwhelming, new signing Joshua Zirkzee - arriving from Bologna this summer - made a goalscoring debut in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
"We should have scored earlier; that's the only criticism" - Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag lamented not killing off the game earlier but sounded happy to start off the new Premier League campaign with a hard-fought win against Fulham.
New signing Joshua Zirkzee - who came off the bench - made the star turn for his new side with a late winner. Highlighting the importance of substitutes, Ten Hag said (as per BBC):
"Subs are always important, and it was good to see in the first game that you bring a sub on and he scores the winner. Everyone sees how important subs are and they have to be ready."
Admitting about the 'difficult' outing for his side, the Dutchman said:
"Against Fulham it is always a difficult game, but we defended and pressed very well.
"After 10 minutes, we found our spell in the game and we kept them under pressure. We created a lot of chances, and we should have scored earlier and that is the only criticism of the team - kill in the box.
Manchester United next take on Brighton away on August 24. Having finished a lowly eighth last season, Ten Hag's side will look for a better finish this campaign.
