The goal ensured Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side secured a spot in the fifth round of the cup in thrilling fashion — also recording their first win over a ‘big six’ side this season. Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford were the other players on target for United.

Fernandes spoke to MUTV after the game about his free-kick technique, how he prepares and how United decide who is taking which dead-ball situation in a match.

“Almost every day [I practice free-kicks], sometimes he [Solskjaer] has to kick me out of training to stop,” Fernandes said. “I’m always working on that kind of situation, I like to watch and learn from Juan [Mata]. He’s a really good specialist and me and Juan stay out a lot, also Rashy, Alex [Telles], Fred, although I think it’s just for fun with Fred.

“Normally long distance is more for Rashy, for me the distance closer to the box is better for me and the kind of shot I have, if Juan or Alex are on the pitch it’s a chance for them on the right side.

“We have good free-kick takers but it depends on the moment, I felt good in that moment.”

Select United’s man of the match against Liverpoool.Solskjaer confirmed that Fernandes often stays behind at training to practice free-kicks. The Norwegian started Fernandes on the bench against Liverpool but praised his superb attitude, as he brought him on in the second half to devastating effect.

“Great goal, good free kick,” said the United boss. “When you leave him out like I did today, he stayed about 45 minutes after training yesterday shooting free kicks so I was pretty confident he could score one if he got the chance. He’s never happy with me when I tell him to go inside after training when he’s playing the next day so he got some practice yesterday.”