In a startling post-match admission, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes revealed he personally apologized to recently sacked manager Erik ten Hag, taking responsibility for the Dutchman’s dismissal. The midfielder’s comments came after United’s lackluster 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
“I spoke to the manager and apologized to him,” Fernandes confessed. “I was disappointed he has gone and I feel responsible. I tried to help him but I wasn’t scoring goals, we are not scoring goals as a team. Whenever you see a manager go, you have to take some of the blame on yourself.”
A Rollercoaster Week at Old Trafford
Ten Hag’s sacking sent shockwaves through the United camp, with interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy describing the past week as a “rollercoaster of emotions.” Van Nistelrooy praised the players for looking inward and striving to do better in the wake of their former manager’s departure.
“I was very sad seeing Erik leave,” the Dutchman admitted. “The next day you have to start to focus on getting the lads ready for Leicester because 75,000 people show up here at Old Trafford and the players feel they have an obligation to do better. They look in the mirror and their reactions today show they think about things.”
Fernandes Breaks Goal Drought
Fernandes, who had failed to find the net in the league this season, finally broke his duck against Chelsea, converting from the penalty spot to give United a short-lived lead. However, a sublime volley from Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo just four minutes later ensured the spoils were shared.
“We know that Erik has gone, it is not good for anyone at the club when the manager goes. The team is not at its best, the results are not the best and he is the one who pays for it.”
– Bruno Fernandes
Late Controversy as Martinez Escapes Red
The match ended in controversy when United defender Lisandro Martinez caught Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer with a high challenge in stoppage time. Despite Palmer requiring ice treatment post-match, referee Rob Jones deemed the foul only worthy of a yellow card, a decision supported by VAR.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was left perplexed by the call, insisting it should have been a straight red. “When there is no intention to go for the ball and you just go for the player, it is quite clear it is a red,” Maresca argued. “We are waiting now, hopefully it is nothing important.”
United Faces Uphill Battle
As the Red Devils continue to languish in the bottom half of the table, Fernandes’ apology serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. With van Nistelrooy at the helm on an interim basis, United will need to quickly regroup and rally if they hope to salvage anything from a thus far dismal campaign.
The Manchester United faithful will be watching closely to see if Fernandes and his teammates can back up their words with actions on the pitch. For now, though, the focus will be on the search for a permanent managerial appointment capable of steering this rudderless ship back on course.
