Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes echoed Ruben Amorim’s sentiments after the manager said he was ‘really angry’ with his players despite their 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool League.
Lisandro Martinez gave the much-improved Red Devils a surprise lead at Anfield, where Liverpool overturned the scoreline before Amad Diallo equalized to leave Fernandes baffled by his new team’s previous run of four consecutive defeats.
“I’m quite upset,” said Fernandes, who returned from suspension and 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 this everywhere? This frustrates me. Plus, I finally got a good [individual] performance. We said we needed a lot more from ourselves to get the most out of this season.
“We made a real effort. Playing with passion and heart is what will bring you something from the game. You have to put in effort and that’s why we took something. It can’t stop there.
“Why can’t we do this every week…”
Bruno Fernandes says his team must give more if they want to fight for a higher position in the PL rankings 📈 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 their opponents 23 points above 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 in which both goals conceded came in the first 20 minutes.
“I’m even 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 put players on the spot. comfortable with his preferred 3-4-3 formation.
“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 any opponent. We have to fight very hard to get out of this situation. I’m really angry about the other games.
“I’m getting even more angry about the other games…you REALLY have to fight to get out of this situation”
Ruben Amorim says today’s result made him ‘really mad’ about Man United’s previous Premier League results 😯 pic.twitter.com/MNIvEAlVWo
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Fernandes: United ‘need points’
United might have handed Liverpool only their second defeat in all competitions with the final attack of the game, but defender Harry Maguire blasted a shot over the bar from close range into space.
“We were rightly criticized,” Fernandes said. “Our position in the standings says it all: we lost too many points.
“Even today we can’t settle for a point. We need points and we could have won the game in the end, but it’s a fair result. Both teams played good football.
After an unbeaten start to three matches in all competitions following his arrival in November, Amorim saw his side lose six of their next seven domestic matches, barring a late comeback to win against reigning champions, Manchester City.
They travel to second-placed Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday (3:00 p.m. GMT) before hosting Southampton in the Premier League the following Thursday (8:00 p.m.).
“This is the best performance under Ruben Amorim…” @GNev2 says Manchester United must keep 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 face the game, the way we compete,” 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 return to the same behavior in the next match.
“I will try to remind these players that we have to suffer. It’s part of our job. I guarantee you, I really try on the basics.
