Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has apologised and taken responsibility for the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, Afrosport reports.
The Dutch tactician was relieved of his duties last Monday after a 2-1 defeat at West Ham United the previous day which left them languishing in 14th in the table.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken charge on an interim basis until Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim takes over the dugout permanently after the November international break.
Fernandes scored his first Premier League goal of the season in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea and the Portuguese midfielder, whom Ten Hag gave the captain’s armband, believes the players could have done more for the former Ajax boss.
“It is not good for anyone at the club when the manager goes,” he said per BBC Sport.
“You have to take some of the blame on yourself because it is the team that is not doing so well and it is easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players.
“I spoke to the manager and apologised. We are not scoring goals and I feel responsible. I normally score a lot of goals but I always give 100% and he is aware of that.”
3⃣ goals in 2⃣ games for our skipper 👌#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/CYYMvk4aBB
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 4, 2024
Former United midfielder Roy Keane, was however critical of Fernandes’ comments, assertion that it too late to apologise.
“These are always awkward interviews for players but I wouldn’t have much time and patience for the player to say, ‘listen, sorry, we let you down’. Too little, too late,” he said per the Mirror.
“We’ll judge what you’re doing on the football pitch. I don’t think Bruno has done enough in a lot of the games already. He didn’t show that leadership…
“…Players can be selfish, we know that, but I don’t think Bruno done enough as a captain of Man United over the last year or two to help the manager out. Far from it.
“The proof’s there with all the results. It’s not just on Bruno, of course, but I don’t think he showed enough leadership skills when the going’s got tough with some of the performances.
“I don’t think Bruno should be too proud of himself, of what’s happened to the manager of the last week or two. I think the players let the manager down ultimately.”
United moved up just on place to 13th on the log after the result against Chelsea and will next take on PAOK FC in the Europa League.
