KEY MASTER: Alan Shearer delivers Bruno Fernandes verdict during Manchester United’s win over Arsenal in the FA Cup

Bruno Fernandes delivered another standout performance in Manchester United’s triumph over Arsenal in the Third Round of the FA Cup.

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United’s captain was instrumental, scoring the opening goal with a superb finish and converting his penalty during the decisive shootout. Fernandes continues to prove his importance, showcasing why the Red Devils invested £46.7 million in him back in 2020 (Sky Sports).

Despite initial mixed opinions about his consistency, the 30-year-old Portuguese playmaker is thriving under Ruben Amorim’s leadership. Against Arsenal, Fernandes rose to the occasion, leading by example and ensuring United’s progress in the competition.

This victory adds to a series of big-game contributions from Fernandes under Amorim, as he has shone in crucial clashes against Manchester City, Liverpool, and now Arsenal, cementing his status as a key figure in the squad.

Bruno Fernandes’ work rate hailed as Man United beat Arsenal

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Tottenham bid for Fernandes in 2019 but luckily for the Red Devils, they signed the creative midfielder a year later who has become a lynchpin in their side.

Whether it was further up the pitch or defensively, the former Sporting CP talisman put in an absolute shift in as the visitors defeated Mikel Arteta and Co in style.

Alan Shearer was full of praise for Fernandes’ industry after Manchester United secured a win for the ages against Arsenal.

Shearer said via BBC Sport: “Bruno Fernandes has worked so hard, he has had to do a lot of tracking back as well as getting that wonderful goal.”

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Manchester United supporters would have been wishing for the FA Cup winner to build on his inspired performance in his side’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool.

Fernandes shone against Liverpool and against Arsenal, he looked like a man on a mission.

Since his move to Manchester United, the in-form creator’s displays in big games have often been called into question.

But Fernandes is doing what the best players do by doing his talking on the pitch.

Bruno Fernandes stats in Arsenal vs Manchester United FA Cup clash

Fernandes was delighted by Amorim’s appointment and that is being reflected on the pitch.

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Under Erik ten Hag, the seasoned midfielder had suffered a dip in form after the Dutchman’s debut season where he impressed.

However, the same can be said about several of his Manchester United teammates.

But Fernandes is a man in form now and his statistics against Arsenal are an indicator of that being the case.

As Alan Shearer pointed out, Fernandes worked his socks off, as is exemplified by his six ball recoveries, six defensive actions and one tackle won.

Whether it be Kevin De Bruyne or Martin Odegaard, all of the world’s leading attacking midfielders have shown to be industrious off the ball.

Fernandes has always been relentless out of possession.

This very habit helped Manchester United see the game out to penalties.

If United retain the FA Cup at the end of the season, Fernandes’ heroics will be heralded.