“I have to live up to those expectations” - Bruno Fernandes highlights one key area he must 'improve' on to help Manchester United this season
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes emphasized that he had to get back on the scoresheet regularly to help the Red Devils get out of their start-of-season slump. The Portuguese midfielder admitted his start to the 2024-25 season hasn't lived up to the standards he set in previous seasons.
Fernandes has received widespread criticism from the fans and media for his inability to drag United out of their worst start to a campaign in years. He has not scored a goal for the club since April, drawing even further ire from the supporters.
After 242 games without a red card for Manchester United, the 30-year-old was sent off in the side's last two games across competitions. He received his marching orders for a foul on James Maddison in United's 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the league and a double-yellow card in a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League.
While the three-game suspension for the first red card was overturned after an appeal, Fernandes will miss United's upcoming Europa League fixture against Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce.
Speaking at a press conference, the Portuguese star accepted the blame for his poor start to the season and expressed hope for a return to form soon. He said (via 90Min):
"It's about improving as soon as I get there (Manchester). Making the goals appear again because I'm a midfielder that scores a lot of goals and has over the years always shown a very high level of goals."
"I have to live up to those expectations and to my standards. What I've been doing is not at all what I want for this season because I haven't scored at the club yet. I hope that once I get there, I can score and help my club get back to winning ways and be at a good level," Fernandes added.
Fernandes has bagged 79 goals and 70 assists in 244 games for Manchester United so far.
"It's a space where I feel good" - Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes hopes to grab opportunity with Portugal during international break
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes claimed he is looking forward to the international break to give him a change of scenery for a potential return to form.
The 30-year-old is on duty with Portugal, who are set to play Poland (Saturday, October 12) and Scotland (Tuesday, October 15) in the UEFA Nations League. They have already won their first two fixtures in League A Group 1, overcoming Croatia and Scotland by 2-1 margins.
Fernandes grabbed a goal against Scotland and an assist against Croatia, vindicating his good form for the national side. Speaking ahead of A Selecao's upcoming fixtures, he said (via 90Min):
"It's not a positive moment (with Manchester United). We're not winning games and the national team space is completely different. I've felt very at ease, the dynamics are very good."
"I'm in my country, I speak my language and I have better food. I have demonstrated a good level in the national team. It's a space where I feel good and I feel like I can enjoy my football at a very high level, due to the dynamics we have and the quality I have at my side," Fernandes concluded.
Fernandes will be seen in action for Manchester United after the international break, when the Red Devils take on Brentford in the Premier League (October 19).