Bruno Fernandes has apologised for his role in Erik ten Hag’s dismissal at Manchester United.
Ten Hag was sacked on Monday after a disappointing start to the season at Old Trafford. The Dutchman was dismissed following the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, after taking 11 points from their opening nine games.
United have struggled for goals this season, scoring just nine times in 10 games following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea. It is their fewest at this stage of a league campaign since 1973/74 (also nine). Fernandes failed to score this season before Ten Hag’s exit, but has since netted three times in two games under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The Portugal international opened up on Ten Hag’s sacking and admits he feels responsible. Fernandes said the manager ‘paid’ for the underperformance of his players.
“We know that Erik [ten Hag] 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,” Fernandes said to Sky Sports.
“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 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.
“I normally score a lot of goals but I always gave 100%. He is aware of that.”
