Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United win can mark the start of a revival

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes says the club’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Roma in the Champions League could be the beginning of a recovery after a difficult run of results.

United came from two goals down to beat the Italian side in the fourth round of the Champions League’s main phase, ending a sequence of nine matches without a win in all competitions.

“It is difficult to say anything at the moment,” Fernandes told Amazon Prime. “Honestly, we have been through a difficult period. We have not been able to play the way we want or get the results we aim for.

“We have done some good things, but we have lacked the consistency needed to produce them throughout matches and turn them into results. It has been difficult.

“But this win was important. We knew the fans were still behind us and felt we could change things by scoring a goal or making something happen. Thankfully, we managed to do that.”

Matheus Cunha scored twice for Manchester United, while Fernandes also found the net. Matias Soule and Malen scored for Roma.

The victory moved Manchester United to six points, while Roma remain on four. It was United’s first win in nine matches, following six defeats and three draws.

Their previous victory came against Azerbaijan side Sabah in the Champions League on 10 September.

Fernandes also discussed his penalty, after his initial attempt did not go as planned before he was given another opportunity.

“The first attempt did not go the way I wanted; I made a mistake,” he said. “But I got a second chance and reorganised my thoughts. The only thing on my mind was putting the ball in the net.”

The Portugal midfielder said the supporters had endured a difficult period alongside the team, but their backing had played an important role in the victory.

“It has been difficult for the fans and we understand that,” he added. “Their belief in us helps the team a lot, and today was one of those days when Old Trafford came back to life.

“It had been a long time since our last win and it was as frustrating for them as it was for us. But we did not view that negatively because it is natural. The fans want to see their team win matches.

“They are used to seeing this club at the top and winning trophies, so it has been frustrating to see the club in this situation.”

Fernandes said the players were determined to improve, but insisted the result was not about protecting anyone’s position at the club.

“We do not need to save anyone’s job,” he said. “The club needed this win and the players needed it too. We have been working extremely hard to get out of this situation together.”

Addressing reports about his relationship with the manager, Fernandes said speculation had exaggerated events between them.

“There has been a lot of speculation in the media and many lies about several things that happened between me and the manager,” he said. “We cleared the air between us, and afterwards the manager decided to leave me on the bench because I was not producing the required performances.

“Everyone thought it was punishment for the comments I made. If that was the case, it was the right decision. The manager is the one who makes the decisions.”

He added: “This does not change my confidence in the manager, the coaching staff or every player at this club, nor does it change my aim of winning every match ahead of us.”