‘A lot’ - Man City defender Joao Cancelo sends message to Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes

Joao Cancelo has sent a message to Portuguese countryman Bruno Fernandes following his clever display against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Goals from Antony and Diogo Dalot saw United claim a classy 2-0 win at the City Ground to see the Reds jump into third following Newcastle’s defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday. Tottenham’s loss to Bournemouth means they are now six points from fifth, too.

Fernandes dominated the midfield versus Forest, against whom he’d scored against in February’s League Cup semi-final first leg. The playmaker made six key passes and had 96 touches in the game and would have had another goal against Forest but for a wonderful tipped save by Keylor Navas in the second half.

Fernandes took home the man of the match award for his performance, with Roy Keane praising the 28-year-old for his shift. “Brilliant. Brilliant player," Keane said of the No.8 to Sky Sports.

"He’ll be disappointed he didn’t score but the quality of his balls into the box, if you’re a striker it’s a dream. I know we criticised him before the game about when United don’t win football matches, but not many players could play that pass.

“He’s two steps ahead in terms of his quality and the picture he has of the football pitch, some of his passes and the movement, I think the guy is pure quality. He’ll be disappointed he hasn’t scored but great day for him. Very comfortable."

Taking to social media after the game, Fernandes said: “On the road but always focused on our goal. Great performance from the team this afternoon and thank you to the away fans.”

Fellow Portugal star Cancelo was clearly watching the game and sent him a message in the comments.

“Meu miudo joga muito,” he wrote, which translates from Portuguese as ‘my kid plays a