Juan Mata sends message to Bruno Fernandes after Manchester United win Carabao Cup

Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata said Bruno Fernandes “deserves” his first trophy as a Reds player following Sunday’s Carabao Cup win over Newcastle.

The Portugal star joined club captain Harry Maguire in lifting the trophy under the Wembley arch after suffering heartache in his sole previous final with United in the 2021 Europa League. Fernandes scored twice and assisted once in United's successful Carabao Cup run.

Speaking after the game, the playmaker revelled in the victory but outlined his hopes for more success in the future under Erik ten Hag. "It's an amazing feeling, honestly," Fernandes told Sky Sports.

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"We've been searching for this moment, us, the fans, the club, we are together and finally we get our trophy and I think deservedly. It's been an amazing period, obviously.

“This is the first trophy of the season but we want more. It's not enough for this club, we want more and we need more because our standards demand more.

"Obviously, as I said, for me it was about winning trophies and finally we did it. I am satisfied now because I finally get my trophy, but I want more."

Taking to Instagram afterwards, Fernandes shared a photo of him holding the trophy aloft on the winners’ gantry with the caption: “The first trophy of many. A dream to lift a trophy for this club. WE WANT MORE.”

Mata - who left United when his contract expired last summer after an eight-and-a-half-year stay - reacted to the post by sending Fernandes a warm message of congratulations. The Spaniard wrote: "You deserve everything good that comes your way."

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