Football
Past Glory! Bruno Fernandes launches another attack on Man Utd culture
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has delivered a second explosive interview following their humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat against Como.
Fernandes questioned manager Michael Carrick’s tactics after their defeat in Italy but new details has emerged about another interview he granted.
The Portuguese midfielder in this new interview criticised United’s lingering reliance on historical success, demanding an immediate shift in mentality from both players and staff.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, the United skipper issued a stark warning regarding the suffocating weight of the club’s history.
Bruno Fernandes during the UEFA Champions League match at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, Como. (Photo by Luca Rossini/PA Images via Getty Images)
”Everyone at the club must understand that it’s no longer the same,” Fernandes said. “We’re no longer in the past and we must look to the future. We must create something different in the present.
”At this club, we focus too much on what was achieved in the past, but we are no longer the same. The club and the players must understand this. Unfortunately for us, especially the players, those who come think about winning trophies, matches, and reaching the highest level, but unfortunately it’s been very difficult at this club in recent years. That’s the situation.”
Addressing the squad’s immediate struggles, Fernandes acknowledged the grim reality on the pitch. “It’s a very difficult moment for us, we’re not getting the points and results we want,” Fernandes added. “The most important thing is that we’re not performing as we expect.
”Unfortunately, it’s one of those moments where it seems like we can’t get out of it. We have to do something to change this situation and start winning because it’s important.”
When questioned about Carrick replacing him with Joshua Zirkzee during the second half in Italy, Fernandes was equally blunt. “Nobody likes to leave the pitch, especially with a result like that,” he said. “It was a very difficult match for us, it was almost impossible to play with the ball, we weren’t close enough to maintain possession and play in their half.
”Como were very brave in their man-to-man pressing, we never did that and we gave them too many opportunities to play between our lines, thus managing to create chances to score.”
Despite Fernandes complaints about United’s leadership and style of play, the Old Trafford hierarchy have reportedly against stripping him of the armband.
He is expected to lead the team out on Sunday when they face Bournemouth in the Premier League.