Fernandes ‘upset’ at Man United… Amorim says he’s ‘really angry’
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes echoed Ruben Amorim’s sentiments after the coach said he was “really mad” at his players despite their 2-2 draw at Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Lisandro Martinez gave the much-improved Red Devils a surprise lead at Anfield, where Liverpool had previously turned the score around Amad Diallo equalized Fernandes was stunned by the previous run of four consecutive defeats suffered by his new team.
“I’m pretty 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 show this level in Liverpool… why can’t we do it everywhere?” It frustrates me. I also finally had a decent (individual) performance. We said we needed a lot more from ourselves to do more this season.
“We really tried hard. Playing with passion and heart is what gets you out of the game. You have to make an effort and that’s why we did something. It can’t stop here.”
“Why can’t we do this every week…”
Bruno Fernandes says his team needs to give more if they want to fight for a higher position in the PL table 📈 pic.twitter.com/SDk0D1tEl2
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Amorim: “I need to calm down”
United had fallen to 14th before facing opponents 23 points above themwith the most successful team in the history of the top division just seven points above the relegation zone.
They had lost their last three games without scoring, including a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on Monday in which they conceded both goals within the first 20 minutes.
“I’m getting angrier and angrier because of the other games, so it’s even harder to understand some things,” said Amorim, reiterating his belief that the problem is not that the players are using his preferred 3-4-3 formation feel good.
“It’s not about the system… it’s about something else.” I need to calm down (before speaking to the players) and say the right things.
“We’re in a difficult moment, but it’s hard not to get really angry. We have to do it against every opponent. We have to fight really hard to get out of this situation. I’m really, really angry about the other games.”
“I’m getting even angrier about the other games… we have to fight REALLY hard to get out of this situation.”
Ruben Amorim says today’s result made him “really angry” given 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”
With the final attack of the game, United might have handed Liverpool only their second defeat in all competitions, but defender Harry Maguire shot over the bar from close range in space.
“We were criticized and fair,” Fernandes said. “Our table position says it all: we have lost too many points.
“Today we can’t be satisfied with just one point either. We need the points and we could have won the game in the end, but it’s a fair result. Both teams played good football.”
After Amorim went three games unbeaten in all competitions since his arrival in November, his side lost six of the following seven home games, with the exception of a late comeback and victory at reigning champions Manchester City.
They travel to second-placed Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday (3pm GMT) before hosting bottom-placed Southampton in the Premier League the following Thursday (8pm).
“It is the best performance under Ruben Amorim…” @GNev2 says Manchester United need to keep their heads up 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 are competitive,” Amorim said of United’s problems. “You don’t need any training for that.
“It’s important that you don’t relax and forget about the morning and then repeat 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’ll really try the basics.”