Fernandes stepped up to coolly dispatch the penalty against former United man Dean Henderson, despite the England international’s notorious ability for stopping them.
And the Portugal midfielder, who is already streets ahead in the assist charts in this year’s Premier League, added another classy one to his tally when curling in an inch-perfect cross for the in-form Benjamin Sesko to score.
As ever, the 31-year-old’s performance was full of industry and creativity, as he helped to break down dangerous counters from the away side, while also pushing the Reds on for more goals.
Only a series of impressive saves from Henderson kept the scoreline at 2-1, with Fernandes also sending a shot narrowly wide, with the away keeper staying strong when facing fierce efforts from Casemiro and Amad.