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Rob Dawson, CorrespondentNov 3, 2024, 02:59 PM ET
Bruno Fernandes has revealed he called Erik ten Hag to apologise after the Dutchman was sacked by Manchester United.
Fernandes scored a penalty as United drew 1-1 with Chelsea in their first Premier League game since Ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday.
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The midfielder said he has spoken to his former boss following the decision and admitted the players must take their share of responsibility for Ten Hag’s departure.
“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,” Fernandes told Sky.
“It is easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players. I spoke to the manager [Ten Hag] and apologised 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.
“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.”
Following Ten Hag’s departure, United have beaten Leicester in the Carabao Cup and drawn with Chelsea in the Premier League under caretaker boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Bruno Fernandes scored Manchester United’s only goal in their Premier League clash against Chelsea. Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
He has another two games in charge before Rúben Amorim takes the reins on Nov. 11.
Van Nistelrooy admitted it’s been a “difficult” week at the club and said the players have had to “look in the mirror” after a poor start to the season.
“It has been very difficult from last Monday to today, six days, a rollercoaster of emotions,” Van Nistelrooy said. “It’s very sad seeing Erik leave.
“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 then and today show they think about things.”
Van Nistelrooy’s long-term future remains up in the air after Amorim stated his intention to bring his own coaching staff to Old Trafford.
The 48-year-old will lead the team against POAK in the Europa League on Thursday and against Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday but is still waiting to learn whether he will stay beyond the November international break.
“I am open for the future,” he said. “We all will be backing him [Amorim] and helping him to get Man United where we want them to be.
“I look forward to get to know him better. He has done very well in Portugal. He’s a young, talented coach and he’s done very well in Portugal.”
