Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

‘The fans don’t deserve it’ – Fernandes apologetic, but refutes Roy Keane narrative about Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes reacting during a Manchester United match

Bruno Fernandes insisted the Man Utd fans deserve more than the players are giving them this season, though refuted what Roy Keane said about the squad.

Manchester United suffered another humiliation against bitter rivals Liverpool last night. The Red Devils slumped to a 4-0 defeat at Anfield on a night when they were powerless to halt Liverpool’s charge towards a potential quadruple.

The defeat also saw United lose ground in the race for fourth spot. United actually dropped a place from fifth to sixth after their goal difference took a hit.

United’s display was void of belief, fight and energy in the first half especially. Roy Keane wasted little time going to task on the current crop at his former club in the Sky Sports studio.

Both he and Graeme Souness lambasted the players for appearing to not give maximum effort and have no pride in wearing the shirt of Manchester United. Keane also claimed many of the players who are impending free agents have already given up on the club.

Fernandes fronted up to the media in the post-match fallout and admitted the fans “don’t deserve” what’s being served up by the current squad. However, he refuted the notion that any United player isn’t giving their best right now.

“The fans don’t deserve us to play this way,” Fernandes told Sky Sports. “They deserve more from us. The way they stay and applaud us, they deserve more. We have to raise our level higher. It is what it is.”

When asked if it’s a case of Man Utd’s players simply not trying as hard as other teams, Fernandes said: “I think everyone runs.

“I think there is effort from everyone. I don’t think someone does not give 100 percent. We have to do it for ourselves, the clubs, the fans and everyone.”

Fernandes powerless to explain Liverpool gulf

The playmaker was then quizzed on whether harsh words were exchanged between the United stars at half-time.

“We have to say things but that is kept in the dressing room,” he continued. “Now it is over we have to think of the next game.

Finally, Fernandes was asked to explain why the gulf between Liverpool and Man Utd has grown so big this season.

The Red Devils finished second last year – one place above Jurgen Klopp’s side. At present, they are 22 points behind Liverpool.

“Liverpool is ready for the title,” added the Portuguese. “We are not.

“I don’t need to be here saying about the difference of the level.

“We have to look at ourselves, from top to bottom and understand what is going wrong. We are competing until the end. Nobody can put down and think it is over. We have something to fight for.”