Fernandes' perfect response to critics as Man Utd star flourishes in new role

Bruno Fernandes has silenced his Manchester United critics after once again continuing to thrive in his new role.

The Portuguese midfielder opened the scoring as the Red Devils returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a thrilling 3-2 win over Arsenal on Thursday.

Fernandes netted the equaliser on his 100th appearance for the club after David De Gea's bizarre howler had given the visitors an early lead at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo then struck twice - either side of Martin Odegaard's riposte - to secure three much needed points for United, with the winner coming from the penalty spot.

Fernandes was the club's designated penalty taker prior to his Portuguese compatriot Ronaldo sealing a sensational return in the summer and prior to blazing a spot kick over the bar in the final minute of United's shock 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa back in September.

Despite being mocked by rival fans as they claim Fernandes' impressive goal tally since arriving at Old Trafford is purely down to his numerous spot kicks, the midfielder has hit back at the haters, proving his game is more than just penalties.

In fact, after his Arsenal exploits, the influential 27-year-old ranks first in United's Premier League standings for combined goals and assists this season with eight, and first for goals alone having netted five so far this term - none of which have come from the spot.

This season, Fernandes is very much dispelling the myth that he only scores penalties as he continues to rack up the number and flourish in a new role that doesn't include the responsibility.

As he became the first United player to crown his century of club appearances with a goal since Antonio Valencia managed the feat back in 2012, the creative midfielder made it a staggering 79 goal contributions in his 100 outings.

While 21 have indeed come from the penalty spot, Fernandes has registered a total of 45 goals and 34 assists across his ton of appearances as a Red Devil.

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After developing an evidently unjust repetition for solely scoring penalties, Fernandes previously addressed the accusation, claiming he does not care about people calling him a penalty merchant.

"I don't hear them! I don't care, honestly. You always see what people say but I really don't care. I'm not focused on what they are saying," Fernandes said.

"I played in Portugal and when you play for Sporting, Benfica and Porto are always talking about that kind of stuff - sometimes to put pressure on the referee, sometimes just to make some noise in the press.

"But, for me, the main point is when we have a penalty, if I go to take the ball to the penalty spot, I have to do my job."

He added: "One thing I saw in the news the other day was that Raheem Sterling has missed his last three penalties. So, yes, it shows it's not as easy to take a penalty as people say. You have to work on that, you have to be focused, you have to do your job."