Manchester United midfielder, Bruno Fernandes revealed he personally called former manager Erik ten Hag to apologize after the Dutchman was dismissed by the club.
Speaking about the team’s underperformance, Fernandes acknowledged that players share responsibility for Ten Hag’s exit.
“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’s easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players.”
Erik ten Hag. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
“I spoke to the manager [Ten Hag] and apologized 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.”
Following Ten Hag’s departure, United have seen mixed results under caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, including a League Cup win over Leicester.
On Sunday they drew 1-1 in the Premier League against Chelsea at Old Trafford, where Fernandes scored United’s sole goal.
Meanwhile, interim boss Rudd van Nistelrooy admitted it’s been a challenging period for the club.
Erik ten Hag (R) with Ruud van Nistelrooy at the London Stadium. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
“It has been very difficult from last Monday to today, six days, a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s very sad seeing Erik leave.
“The players look in the mirror and their reactions show they think about things.”
Incoming manager Rúben Amorim has indicated plans to bring his own staff when he assumes leadership on November 11.
Sporting’s coach Ruben Amorim. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
However, Van Nistelrooy says he is willing to support Amorim’s vision for the club: “We all will be backing him and helping him to get Man United where we want them to be.”
