Manchester United ended Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim tenure over City.
But while all was well for most at Old Trafford in the final game before new boss Ruben Amorim takes charge, Alejandro Garnacho’s non-celebration after his stunning third goal told its own story.
The Argentina international, off the bench as a substitute, put the seal on a comfortable victory for the Red Devils after club captain had earlier scored and forced an own goal. But he was in little mood to take the acclaim from supporters, following a run in with one that was posted on social media earlier this week.
As the 20-year-old’s name rang around the ground following his brilliant effort in front of the Stratford End, a number of United players, including Fernandes and Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte, were seen having words with the young winger.
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And Fernandes insisted post-match: "Garnacho scored a banger but didn't celebrate like he should because he thinks he has lost faith from some fans. I told him people will always moan but lots of people like you and enjoy what you do.
"I told him to celebrate, it was something special. He is a special player, we have difference makers. They are the ones who win us games. We want them to score very game but that isn't going to happen.”
On United’s display, Fernandes added: "It was a good day at work, I have to say. We have a lot of players with big qualities.”
Interim boss Van Nistelrooy went around Old Trafford celebrating with fans at the end of what could end up being his second United farewell, with his future unclear. ‘Ruud’ echoed around the ground after the match and Fernandes said: “Ruud van Nistelrooy fills the club, he loves the club, he wants to bring joy to the players.
“He brought everyone with a smile to the games, he just wanted us to enjoy it. We wanted to say goodbye as a manager for him properly because he did good things for us. It’s a new era, a new manager means everything changes but what hasn’t changed is that this club has to get back to where it belongs."
Foxes boss Steve Cooper admitted simply that his side weren’t good enough on the day.
He said: "It was a fairly even game in general play but in decisive moments we didn't defend well enough. We had good phases in the game but you have to be productive at both ends of the pitch.
"We weren't the threat we are capable of being, we fell short. Jamie Vardy has a back injury and we will have to see how he is, but Ricardo Pereira is out for three or four months."
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