After Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes revealed he had apologized to Erik ten Hag, following the Dutch manager’s dismissal from the club. Fernandes, who scored United’s only goal from the penalty spot, expressed regret over the team’s poor performances that ultimately led to Ten Hag’s exit, admitting he felt responsible for not scoring or contributing enough to help the team.
“It is easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players,” Fernandes said. “I spoke to the manager and apologized. 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.”
Fernandes’s remarks came on a somber day for United, as the team struggled to a draw against Chelsea. Moisés Caicedo’s impressive volley leveled the score shortly after Fernandes’s penalty, marking the team’s first league game since Ten Hag’s departure and Fernandes’s first league goal this season.
Ten Hag’s Dismissal Sparks Reflection Within United
Manchester United’s recent slump has been the subject of intense scrutiny, and Ten Hag’s departure reflects the club’s frustration with underwhelming results. For Fernandes, the manager’s exit highlighted the shared accountability within the squad. “The team is not the best, the results are not the best, and he is the one who pays for it,” Fernandes said. “When a manager goes, you have to take some of the blame yourself; it’s because the team is not performing well.”
Ten Hag’s replacement, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, echoed this sentiment in his first comments since stepping into the role. “It’s been very difficult from last Monday to today—a rollercoaster of emotions,” Van Nistelrooy admitted. “I was very sad seeing Erik leave. The next day, you have to start focusing on getting the lads ready for Leicester.” The Dutchman, a former United striker, noted that players were eager to regroup, especially with an attentive Old Trafford crowd counting on an improved performance.
Controversial Yellow Card Leaves Chelsea Frustrated
The game’s closing minutes were marked by a contentious moment when United defender Lisandro Martínez received a yellow card for a high foot that caught Chelsea’s Cole Palmer on the knee. While Palmer managed to finish the game, he later required ice on the injury in the dressing room. Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, was visibly frustrated, questioning why the incident didn’t warrant a red card.
“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 said. “Palmer was in the changing room with ice on his knee, and we’re waiting to see if it’s serious. For us, it was quite clear, but the referee took a different decision.”
The Premier League’s Match Centre addressed the incident, explaining that VAR reviewed the challenge and upheld the referee’s initial decision. “VAR confirmed the referee’s call of no red card, deeming it a reckless challenge and not serious foul play,” a statement on social media clarified. However, Maresca and Chelsea fans left the stadium feeling that justice hadn’t been served.
Van Nistelrooy Looks to Rebuild Team Confidence
With Ten Hag gone, Van Nistelrooy is left with the challenging task of revitalizing a squad that has struggled to find consistency. Since the managerial change, United’s performances have been a mix of ups and downs. Last week’s Carabao Cup win over Leicester offered a glimpse of improvement, but the pressure remains high with each game.
Van Nistelrooy acknowledged the emotional toll of recent events but believes his players are committed to self-reflection. “The players feel they have an obligation to do better,” he said. “They look in the mirror, and their reactions—both in training and today—show they’re thinking about things.”
A vocal crowd of 75,000 fans at Old Trafford emphasized the weight of those expectations. For United supporters, Ten Hag’s dismissal represented more than just a managerial shift—it’s the latest chapter in a decade of inconsistency since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. Van Nistelrooy understands that he needs to restore stability to a club that has grown accustomed to constant upheaval.
Fernandes Shoulders Responsibility as Captain
For Fernandes, Ten Hag’s dismissal has been a personal wake-up call. As club captain, he’s keenly aware of the responsibility that falls on his shoulders, especially given United’s long-standing goal drought. In the match against Chelsea, Fernandes took on the pressure, slotting home the penalty to break his own scoring drought. His goal marked a positive step, but he’s far from satisfied.
“I wasn’t doing enough,” Fernandes admitted. “We weren’t scoring, and I feel responsible as a leader on the field.” His apology to Ten Hag reflects his frustration with his own form and the team’s collective struggles. For a player who has shown flashes of brilliance, Fernandes’s self-awareness is a sign that he’s committed to turning things around.
Van Nistelrooy, too, praised Fernandes’s willingness to acknowledge his shortcomings, noting that it’s this kind of self-assessment that can lead to real progress. “Bruno’s apology to Erik speaks volumes about his character,” he said. “These players know what’s expected of them.”
Chelsea’s Resilience Shows as They Look to Build Momentum
On the other side of the pitch, Chelsea’s journey under Maresca is marked by a mix of promising signs and missed opportunities. Caicedo’s stunning equalizer was a testament to the resilience and talent in the squad. The result may not have been what Chelsea hoped for, but the team continues to grow under Maresca’s leadership.
While Maresca questioned the officiating decisions, he also acknowledged the team’s effort in securing a point at Old Trafford. “Our players gave everything,” Maresca said. “The performance showed that they’re committed to each other and to the cause.”
With Cole Palmer, a promising young playmaker, Chelsea has found an emerging star who has already shown his potential to deliver in high-stakes matches. The fact that Palmer continued to play after the challenge from Martínez highlights his toughness, a quality that will undoubtedly serve him well in the Premier League.
As Chelsea aims to climb the league standings, Maresca will rely on players like Palmer and Caicedo to lead the way. For now, Chelsea supporters can take solace in the team’s resilience and steady improvement.
