Following Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, club captain Bruno Fernandes has publicly apologized to the recently dismissed manager, Erik ten Hag. Fernandes expressed that he and the players feel a sense of responsibility for the poor results that led to the Dutchman’s departure. The somber mood at Old Trafford was clear as the team began a new chapter under an interim manager, struggling to secure a win in their first league game since the change.
Fernandes Admits Player Accountability in Ten Hag’s Exit
In a candid post-match interview, Bruno Fernandes did not hold back, admitting he felt personally responsible for the team’s struggles. He revealed that he had spoken directly with the former manager to express his regret. “It is easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players,” Fernandes stated, highlighting the collective failure of the squad.
“I spoke to the manager and apologized,” he confessed. “I was disappointed he’s gone, and I tried to help him. I wasn’t scoring goals, we’re not scoring goals, and I feel responsible.”
His words reflect a broader sentiment within the team that the players must also be held accountable when a manager is sacked. Fernandes’s penalty in the game was his first league goal of the season, a statistic that underscores the very performance issues he spoke about.
Van Nistelrooy Faces an Emotional Rebuild
The task of steadying the ship now falls to interim manager and club legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy. He described the period following Ten Hag’s dismissal as a “rollercoaster of emotions,” admitting his sadness at seeing his fellow countryman leave the club.
Van Nistelrooy emphasized that the focus quickly had to shift to preparing the players for their next challenge. He noted that the squad understands its obligation to improve and has shown a commitment to self-reflection in training. The new manager’s immediate priorities are clear:
- Restore confidence within a squad struggling for form.
- Manage the emotional toll of the recent managerial change.
- Prepare the team for upcoming fixtures with high expectations from fans.
“The players feel they have an obligation to do better,” Van Nistelrooy said. “They look in the mirror, and their reactions—both in training and today—show they’re thinking about things.”
Controversy Mars Draw as Chelsea Cry Foul
The match was not without its share of drama. A contentious moment in the final minutes saw United defender Lisandro Martínez receive only a yellow card for a high challenge that caught Chelsea’s Cole Palmer on the knee. The Chelsea bench, led by head coach Enzo Maresca, was furious with the decision.
“When there is no intention to go for the ball, and you go for the legs, I think it’s clear it should be a red,” Maresca argued. He confirmed that Palmer needed ice on his knee in the dressing room, leaving Chelsea to wait on the severity of the injury.
The Premier League’s Match Centre later clarified the decision, stating that VAR reviewed the incident but supported the referee’s on-field call. The official explanation deemed it a “reckless challenge and not serious foul play,” a justification that did little to appease the frustrated Chelsea camp.
A Shared Point but Different Paths Forward
While Manchester United grapples with internal turmoil, Chelsea left Old Trafford with a hard-earned point, thanks to a spectacular volley from Moisés Caicedo. The equalizer showcased the resilience Maresca is trying to instill in his squad.
Despite the frustration over the refereeing, Maresca praised his players’ commitment and performance. For Chelsea, the focus is on building momentum with promising young talents like Cole Palmer, who showed his toughness by finishing the match after the heavy challenge. The draw represents another step in their steady development under new leadership.
