Fernandes shows class but he can’t break impasse for United

BRUNO FERNANDES could not inspire Manchester United to victory on an otherwise promising debut as the Premier League clash with Wolves ended goalless and without a widely discussed Old Trafford protest.

This has been an up and down week for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, whose Carabao Cup win — but ultimate exit — at Manchester City came in between fans attacking Ed Woodward’s house and some much-needed transfer business.

The executive vice-chairman was not in attendance for Fernandes’ capable debut, when a planned 68th-minute anti-owner protest failed to come to fruition as United and Wolves fought out the draw.

Barely anyone left Old Trafford during the walkout, nor was there anywhere near the same level of vitriol as heard at recent matches.

Fernandes, who arrived from Sporting Lisbon on Thursday to much fanfare, was not overawed by his new surroundings and had chances to fire United to victory.

Wolves were also a threat and Adama Traore was a handful, but neither side could find a breakthrough as Solskjaer’s men again failed to capitalise on a slip-up by Chelsea.

United boss Solskjaer hailed 25-year-old debutant Fernandes afterwards.

‘You can see he’s a top player,’ he said. ‘First half, he was getting the ball into feet. Bruno wants players moving in front of him and we didn’t move enough, so we moved him further back to give him more of the ball. He’s going to be a top addition.’

On the match, the Norwegian added: ‘We dominated the game had loads of possession, but they have given us problems on the counter-attack.

‘We have played so many games in the last couple of months, so the players are down to the bare bones and they need a break now.’

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo was pleased with the result.

‘I think it was a good game, an intense game,’ he said.

‘There was a spell in the second half which United dominated. We had our moments, and are happy with the point.

‘It was a balanced game.’