Paul Scholes hails ‘sensational’ Bruno Fernandes goal from area the Manchester United legend ‘used to love’
Portugual midfielder netted a stunning half-volley against Istanbul Basaksehir before adding another finish
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has praised Bruno Fernandes’ stunning half-volley against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League, drawing similarities between the Portugal midfielder and himself.
United were 4-1 winners at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, with Fernandes netting a brace to put the hosts 2-0 ahead within the first 20 minutes.
And his first finish – an impressive, first-time half-volley from the edge of the opposition box – particularly caught Scholes’ eye.
Scholes was joined in the BT Sport studio by Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves for coverage of the group-stage clash, and the pair both suggested Fernandes’ first goal had been “Scholesy-esque”.
READ MORE: Champions League standings and fixtures – all games by date and kick-off time
Scholes then admitted: “I used to love that spot.
“Waiting for the ball to come and hoping there’s no defenders and hoping nobody’s on the edge of the box.
“What a first-time strike and it was a sensational goal. [Fernandes] was the one that won it for them early on.
“He’s their most creative player and he will create all the chances, even the scrappy goals from midfield – they all count.”
Fernandes’ second goal was a tap-in after Istanbul goalkeeper Mert Gunok spilled a cross, and the midfielder then let Marcus Rashford take a penalty to make it 3-0.
Istanbul pulled one back when David de Gea failed to keep Deniz Turuc’s free-kick from crossing the goal line, but Dan James added a fourth for United in the dying moments of the match.
The result saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side move to nine points from 12 at the top of Group H with two games left to play.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments