Bruno Fernandes shows why he's Manchester United's captain before and after scoring winner

A Manchester United supporter was late to their seat and missed two goals. Trudging up the gangway, he spread his arms in disbelief.

"How s--t must you be? We're winning away," chorused the Nottingham Forest fans. They won once on the road last season but had just experienced maybe the most euphoric first three minutes and 47 seconds of a match.

For the first time in a lifetime, Forest were 2-0 up at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford was outsprinted by Taiwo Awoniyi for the first goal and Casemiro merely shadowed Willy Boly for the second. In the sunshine, United were chasing shadows.

Antony helped Rashford to his feet at 1-0 down but United were floored again less than two minutes later. Andre Onana initiated the inquest as his teammates skulked back to their positions. Bruno Fernandes immediately imposed himself.

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His name was hollered loudly before the early chaos. In a week where Fernandes was subjected to some pathetic punditry that bordered on prejudice, his performance reaffirmed his status as a worthy captain.

With United 2-0 down, Fernandes urged his teammates to calm the play. He cannily created the equaliser and converted the winner from the penalty spot. Casemiro, on the halfway line, could not watch.

This was not vintage Fernandes but it was a captain's performance. As full-time loomed in added time, Fernandes bickered with Cheikhou Kouyate. The United fans chanted his name again and once more as Fernandes approached the tunnel. Theirs and Erik ten Hag's backing is unequivocal.

Ten Hag initially declined a raincoat amid the Manchester downpour. The sun eventually reemerged and Ten Hag could also be safe from the vitriol raining down from the stands. This was not the