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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he issued an apology to Erik ten Hag following his sacking last week.
Fernandes said this after United’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea. The Portugal international gave the Red Devils the lead in the 70th minute, converting from the penalty spot.
However, the advantage lasted for less than five minutes as Moises Caicedo produced a wonderful effort to ensure the points were shared at Old Trafford.
After the final whistle, Fernandes spoke to Sky Sports and said, “We know that Erik has gone. It is not good for anyone at the club when the manager goes. The team is not the best, the results are not the best, and he is the one who pays for it.”
“Whenever you see a manager go you have to take some of the blame on yourself. It is because the team is not doing so well.”
“It is easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players. I spoke to the manager [Ten Hag] and apologized to him, I was disappointed he has gone and I tried to help him. I wasn’t scoring goals, we are not scoring goals and I feel responsible.”
“I normally score a lot of goals but I always gave 100%. He is aware of that.”
On his goal and United’s performance vs. Chelsea, Fernandes told Sky, “Everyone knows how much I wanted the goal to come. I need to help the team with goals and assists.”
“It’s been one of the most disappointing things this season – but I got some in the cup. Now scoring in the Premier League. It was a lot of disappointment in the dressing room. We could have won the game.”
When asked about life under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, Fernandes replied, “Not much has changed. In midweek the goals went in. I said to some friends everything will come to us and people will say we wanted the manager to be sacked.”
“We get the point and we can be happy for that. We need to be disappointed because we’re far back in the league.”
“Ruud is a nice guy, humble for someone who won everything at the club.”
Bruno Fernandes’ full post match interview ⤵️
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 3, 2024
Up next for United is a Europa League clash against PAOK on Thursday.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images