More than two months have gone by — and just the other day he scored a brilliant goal at Galatasaray during the Group A match of the Champions League — but Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes still cannot forget the delightful strike against Burnley on September 23.

The goal assumed significance since the 1-0 victory lifted the spirit at Old Trafford.

“Until now, I have had some good goals. I think, for now, the Burnley goal. The way I volleyed it. That is difficult to do and it was a really nice goal. Obviously, the goal gave us the win, so it’s a special one,” Fernandes said.

Since then United have played seven games in the English Premier League, winning five and losing two. They are now sixth in the league table with 24 points from 13 matches and travel to Newcastle United on Saturday for a tricky match.

Form wise, Fernandes has endured a roller-coaster ride this season. There have been highs like the goals against Burnley or Fulham and there have been lows like the Galatasaray match where his performance was criticised by club legend Paul Scholes. Still, the 29-year-old remains one of the main players in manager Erik ten Hag’s scheme of things.

For example, the injury-time goal against Fulham last month.

“It was a bit of a strange goal because, in the beginning, we had tried there. Scott (McTominay), (Facundo) Pellistri and myself. We were fighting for the ball. I think Pellistri gets to the defender before there, and as soon as he gives me the ball back, I put it to my left to get a chance. But when I saw that two players from Fulham were trying to close my shot with my left, I thought I need to chop here and get the chance with my right. Whenever I get it on my right, I go across the goalkeeper, but the center back closed me there. He opened a little gap on my right side, and I just thought there was space to hit, and obviously after that, it was a joy for everyone,” he said.

Fernandes, who joined United from Portuguese club Sporting in January 2020, rates defender Luke Shaw very highly.

“There are a few of them, but probably Luke Shaw. He’s strong and sharp, so it’s difficult to play one versus one with him, even if I nutmeg him anytime I play against him and he knows that. He’s tough, quick, and strong and really powerful on the first steps. Even when you think that you’re getting away from him, he puts his body in front, he uses his hands, and he’s really strong.”

Fernandes’ growing up coincided with Ronaldinho’s magical stint at Barcelona (2003-2008). So it was not surprising that the Portuguese star idoilised the Brazilian.

“Obviously, my first hero was Ronaldinho. I think, for most people my age, that was the person you would love to see playing.”