Fernandes on spot as Man United climb to fifth in Premier League
LONDON: Manchester United moved onto the shoulder of fourth-placed Chelsea on Sunday after brushing aside lowly Watford at Old Trafford.
With runaway leaders Liverpool looking certain to win the Premier League, attention has switched to the race for European places, with just 10 points separating Chelsea from Southampton, in 12th spot.
New signing Bruno Fernandes opened his goalscoring account for United from the penalty spot before impressive second-half goals from Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood sealed a 3-0 win.
It means United, who have struggled to find consistency all season, are now in fifth place on 41 points, just three adrift of Chelsea.
United paid tribute to the late Harry Gregg, hero of the 1958 Munich air disaster, before kick-off at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised his new signing, who picked up the manof-the-match award for his display against Watford, languishing second from bottom of the table.
“He has done fantastic,” said the Norwegian boss. “He has given everyone a boost. He wants the ball all the time, he wants to conduct the play.
“I am very pleased for him. He has done something to the crowd. He shows the attributes of a Manchester United player. He is a great addition to the squad.”
Portugal midfielder Fernandes is under no illusions over his task as United look to return to the lucrative Champions League after a season away.
“Everyone knows we want to get into the Champions League places. I am here to help the team conquer this place and keep winning games,” he told the BBC.
Wolves, in eighth place, are just two points behind United after a convincing 3-0 win against bottom-club Norwich at Molineux.
In the day’s late kick-off, Arsenal recovered from a terrible start to hand Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton their first Premier League defeat since New Year’s Day.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said it had been his best week since taking charge at the Emirates in December.
“The best thing is the spirit we showed after coming back from Europe — three games in seven days,” he told Sky Sports.