The Portuguese midfielder only returned to training earlier this week after his summer exertions with his national side during the EURO 2024 showpiece.
But summoned on from the bench by manager Guardiola 11 minutes from time in the Wembley showpiece, his impact was evident from the get-go.
After Alejandro Garnacho had struck on 82 minutes to give United the lead, Bernardo it was whose 89th minute header deservedly levelled affairs and sent the game into the drama of penalties where City went on to secure a 7-6 shoot-out triumph.
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For former City talisman Morrison, one of our special guests on Saturday’s edition of Matchday Live, Bernardo’s display illustrated just why he has become such a key figure at the Club over the past seven years.
“He may be only 5ft 6in tall, but I love every inch of him,” Morrison declared.
“It’s not just the football, it’s the personality of the players that creates champions and we have them throughout our team and Bernardo sums that up.
“He’s come onto the pitch and the first thing he does is rile up the players as he is shouting and screaming at them.
“Bernardo then goes and rattles Garnacho as if to say: ‘I’m not here for your show. I’m here to win.’
“Of course, he then goes and scores the late equaliser.
“The personality is what produces champions… not just the football.
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“We are very fortunate in that we could name player after player who have that quality but he really sums it up.
“On the pitch he livened things up straightaway.
“You need someone to start the fire and he did it as soon as Bernardo came onto the pitch.”
On an afternoon that was packed with positives aplenty for City and Guardiola, fellow Matchday Live special guest Shaun Goater also pointed to another stellar display from Oscar Bobb.
The young Norwegian attacking midfielder was the standout figure on the Club’s recent 2024 USA tour and produced another impressive display at Wembley, capped by his brilliant assist for Bernardo’s leveller.
For his part, Goater believes Bobb will be strongly in contention to start next Sunday’s Premier League opener away at Chelsea.
“If I was a betting man, I would say Oscar will start the very first game. I think he deserves it,” said the former City strike legend.
“His performance suggested he will be knocking on the door to Pep as if to say: ‘I’m not here to make up the numbers - I’m want to be a regular part of this.’
“His pre-season has been brilliant and the way he created that goal was phenomenal.
“He is really dynamic and if there is maybe one area we can get even better it’s with the wide players and assists and he’s just putting a reminder out there that there is a quality kid here.”
