‘Now you see a proper team’

Bruno Fernandes credited Manchester United’s new-found team ethic for their derby victory over Manchester City.

Fernandes scored a controversial equaliser after Jack Grealish had come off the bench to put City in front before Marcus Rashford sealed a ninth consecutive victory for the Red Devils.

United are now only a point behind City on the back of their winning run and Fernandes feels their resurgence is down to a change in mentality among Erik ten Hag’s squad.

“We look like a team now,” Fernandes told BT Sport. “Some months ago you could see sometimes a team that was looking a bit for ourselves – but now you see a proper team that works hard for each other.”

However, Fernandes refused to get carried away with his side’s continued rise and immediately turned his attention towards Wednesday night’s trip to Crystal Palace.

“We have to look forward to the next game, because you can be closer (in the table) but if you don’t keep winning that will go,” he said.

“The mentality now is to be celebrating because it is a big win in the derby, but from tomorrow straight away ahead of Crystal Palace our focus has to be straight on that.”

Rashford, who scored in his ninth home game in a row, added: “Scoring the goal at the end and winning the game, that’s what we set out to do and that’s always the aim. This one is a little bit special and we’re pleased to have the three points at Old Trafford.”

“Now you see a proper team, that works hard for each other!”

“And you see that it pays off!” 💪

Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes share their post-match thoughts after winning the Manchester derby 🗣️

🎙️ @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/RLikjWFXsM

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 14, 2023

United boss Erik ten Hag paid tribute to Rashford after the United striker looked to be struggling with an injury towards the end of the first half.

He told BT Sport: “Players have to be resilient – you get kicked in a game and obviously it happens and it hurts. But you have to keep going to get the right result, and deal with that painful moment even if it keeps being painful.

“That’s what he did today and he gets rewarded for it, and the team gets rewarded for it. In top football you have to suffer and sacrifice to get the right result.”

The Dutchman admitted he could see both sides of the decision to award Fernandes’ opening goal despite Rashford clearly being in an offside position.

“I can…