Fernandes blind pass assist in the FA Cup final! What a pass this is by Bruno Fernandes. Just a genius blind pass. Fernandes knows Kobbie Mainoo is there. He doesn’t have to look. The pace though on the soccer ball is perfect for Mainoo to finish.
The awareness overall by Fernandes to recognize what he needs to do is brilliant. An assist for the ages in Manchester United FA Cup lore. The pass by Fernandes is across his body. Not easy to do. He makes it look simple. Plus, Manchester City defender Kyle Walker stops for a second because he thinks Fernandes is going to shoot. Furthermore, defender John Stones is moving over to stop a shot from Fernandes.
Don’t forget, Fernandes is open when he receives the ball, he could have tried to score himself. Additionally, he could have played a pass with too much pace.
But no, it was an all around calm and cool play by both Fernandes and Mainoo to put Manchester United up 2-0 in the FA Cup final versus league winners and rival, Manchester City.
Some will call the pass by Fernandes a disguised pass or a no-look pass, Either way, call it what you will, it is a hallmark of a good player to make these types of counter intuitive plays. Cross field switches of play or subtle no look passes in the goal box.
Take a look at the pass and goal in the video below. It is a world class assist by Fernandes, not only disguised but Mainoo doesn’t even have to take a touch before striking the ball.
19-YEAR-OLD KOBBIE MAINOO MAKES IT 2-0 FOR MAN UNITED IN THE FA CUP FINAL!
WHAT A START FOR UNITED IN WHAT COULD BE ERIK TEN HAG’S LAST MATCH AS MANAGER 😨 pic.twitter.com/UFLrCmLnOt
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 25, 2024
Moreover, the assist by Fernandes would turn out to be a game winning assist for Manchester United as they take down Manchester City. Again though, what people will be talking and posting on social media about is this blind pass by Bruno Fernandes.
Technically, it is a blind pass by Fernandes. Especially when you look at it from the Manchester City defensive side. They were thrown off and unaware. But as the play is developing, Fernandes scans the field and sees where Manioo’s making a run.
Furthermore, Manioo actually raises his hand to call for the ball. Yet it takes the skill and ability of Fernandes to get him the ball. And to disguise the pass. Again, Manioo doesn’t have to adjust to the pass. The soccer ball isn’t behind him or played too hard. The ball is played right out in front of him and at the perfect pace to strike and score.
