Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes echoed Ruben Amorim’s sentiments after the manager said he was “really mad” at his players despite a 2-2 draw at Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Lisandro Martinez gave the much-improved Red Devils a surprise lead at Anfield, where Liverpool overturned the score before Amad Diallo equalized to leave Fernandes bewildered by his new team’s previous four-game losing streak.
“I’m very upset,” said Fernandes, who returned from suspension to set up Martinez’s opener as United scored at Liverpool for the first time since 2018.
“If we’re showing that level in Liverpool… why can’t we do that everywhere? It disappoints me. Also, I finally had a proper (individual) performance. We said we need a lot more of ourselves to get more out of this season.
“We made a real effort. Playing with passion and heart is what will get you out of the game. You have to put in the effort and that’s why we got something. It can’t stop here.”
“Why can’t we do this every week…”
Bruno Fernandes says his side need to give more if they want to fight for a higher place in the PL table 📈 pic.twitter.com/SDk0D1tEl2
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Amorim: “I need to calm down”
United had sunk to 14th before facing the opposition 23 points on themwith the most successful team in top flight history just seven points above the relegation zone.
They had lost their previous three games without scoring, including a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on Monday, where both goals conceded came in the opening 20 minutes.
“I’ve gotten angrier because of the other games, so it’s even harder to understand some things,” Amorim said, reiterating his belief that the problem is not trying to get the players comfortable with the 3-4-3 formation. which he prefers.
“It’s not about the system… it’s about something else. I have to calm down (before talking to the players) and say the right things.
“We’re in a tough time, but it’s hard not to get really mad. We have to do it against any opponent. We have to fight very hard to get out of this situation. I’m really very angry because of the other games.”
“I’ve been angrier because of the other games… we have to fight really hard to get out of this situation”
Ruben Amorim says today’s result made him ‘really mad’ at Man United’s previous results across the Premier League 😯 pic.twitter.com/MNIvEAlVWo
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Fernandes: United need points
United may have handed Liverpool only their second defeat in all competitions with their last attack of the game, but defender Harry Maguire fired a shot over the bar from close range.
“We have been criticized and rightfully so,” Fernandez said. “Our position in the table says it all: we lost too many points.
“Even today, we can’t be happy with a point. We need the points and could have won the game in the end but it’s a fair result. Both teams played good football.”
After a three-game unbeaten start in all competitions following his arrival in November, Amorim has seen his side lose six of their seven domestic games, with the exception of a late comeback win at champions Manchester City.
They travel to second-placed Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday (3pm GMT) before hosting Southampton in the Premier League next Thursday (8pm).
“It’s the best performance under Ruben Amorim…” @GNev2 says Manchester United must hold their heads high in the Premier League! 👑 pic.twitter.com/xfKdZw7hGU
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
United ‘must suffer’
“It’s the way we approach the game, the way we’re competitive,” Amorim said of United’s problems. “You don’t need training for this.
“The important thing is not to relax and forget about tomorrow and then go back to the same behavior in the next game.
“I will try to remind these players that we have to suffer. It’s part of our job. I guarantee you, I’m really trying on the basics.”
2025-01-05 20:18:00
