Man Utd verdict: Darts fan Fernandes finally hits the mark with beauty as he reminds the Red Devils he can be the leading man

BRUNO FERNANDES revealed he enjoys playing darts with his teammates, now he’s an adopted Mancunier.

And on the football field, he finally hit the mark with a second-half beauty – to put indifferent past weeks behind him.

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Just one goal and one assist in nine Premier League games suggested he – like many an amateur darts player – needs to work on his degree.

But his curl attempt with 20 minutes to go after Fred’s shot was blocked by Eric Dier was perfectly escaped.

The sensational start to life in England in January 2020 seems like a long time ago.

Fernandes provided 29 goals and 19 assists in his first 53 Premier League games after joining from Sporting Lisbon.

But after the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer almost a year ago, the 28-year-old lost his way.

Some United fans have wondered if playing alongside fellow Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo really suits him.

Still, on the eve of that game, he received a glowing endorsement from his manager, Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman has stood by him in central midfield despite a lot of numbers and has played him every minute so far.

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He said Fernandes had been “terrific” and he was the perfect example as a substitute skipper in Harry Maguire’s absence.

Perhaps those words provided the kind of lift Fernandes needed as this was much more the case.

A brave dummy early on allowed midfield partner Fred to open up the Spurs defense for the first time.

His free-kick from 20 yards brought Hugo Lloris a flying save while he then smashed a try over the bar.

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It was a clever pass from Fernandes that smashed through Marcus Rashford but again Lloris was in good spirits to save.

Although there was no addition to his numbers, he did much to give the Red Devils a hugely encouraging first-half show when they were just a goal away.

And that’s what Ten Hag had pointed out before the game – that he was heavily involved in United’s best work, even if the end product was lacking.

All that changed when he lunged for a loose ball after Fred’s shot was blocked and showed he hadn’t lost any of the instincts that made him such a favorite here.

From then on he really got his pride back and started dictating the game.

He charged at a sweeping pass from Rashford to finish in style and show he’d regained his confidence – only when the linesman’s flag interrupted his celebration.

Still, he played a big part in United’s best performance of the season – now he needs to build on that.