BRUNO BLASTS REDS

Fernandes gem knocks Liverpool out of FA Cup

Manchester, Jan. 25: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed Bruno Fernandes’s dedication to perfecting his free-kick technique as the Portuguese’s stunning strike earned Manchester United a thrilling 3-2 win over Liverpool to reach the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.

Solskjaer handed Fernandes a rare rest from the start with United leading the way in a tight Premier League title race.

But the Red Devils’ talisman came off the bench to win a compelling cup tie at Old Trafford, devoid of the caution both sides showed in a 0-0 draw when they met a week ago on league duty.

“When you leave him out like I did today, he stayed about 45 minutes after training yesterday shooting free kicks so I was pretty confident he could score one if he got the chance,” said Solskjaer.

“He’s never happy with me when I tell him to go inside after training when he’s playing the next day, so he got some practice yesterday.”

Liverpool’s wait for a first domestic cup win of Jurgen Klopp’s reign goes on to compound their faltering league form.

The English champions have fallen six points behind United after failing to score in their last four league games.

However, there was hope for Klopp of a revival as Mohamed Salah scored twice.

“If you want to win here you have to be absolutely top and we were not,” said Klopp, who is yet to win in six visits to Old Trafford as Liverpool manager.

Elsewhere, Leicester and Everton were also successful over Championship opposition to maintain their fine form.

The Foxes came from behind to beat Brentford 3-1 to set up a home tie against Brighton.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck on his return from injury as Everton saw off Sheffield Wednesday 3-0. Carlo Ancelotti’s men will face the winners of Tottenham’s trip to Wycombe on Monday.

Burnley beat Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage.