Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has demanded accountability, insisting that he and his teammates have to look in the mirror following the Europa League final heartbreak vs. Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for a trophy as Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal proved enough to beat United in the European final at San Mames.
The Red Devils looked lifeless and uninspired – a puzzling display given their repeated pre-match claims of wanting to win the competition for the fans.
Even Fernandes, who has been one of the very few positives this term, endured a difficult game and he was not as influential as he usually is.
After the final whistle, the dejected Portuguese playmaker spoke to Hayters and gave his verdict on the game as well as what has been a truly calamitous campaign.
Fernandes said, “First of all, we need to look at what we did this season, everything that went wrong in every in every point, in every department, in every moment of the season.”
“Everyone has to look at themselves. I need to be the first one to look at myself, understand what I can do more to help the club to to become the club we were in the past.”
“I want, as everyone in that dressing room, wants to bring the club back where they deserve. And obviously it is a very disappointing day, because we couldn’t get a trophy for this club to try to make something positive from from a disappointing season.”
“But obviously, we need to look at ourselves, understand whatever each one of us can do to help the team to become better.”
Fernandes explained that even winning the Europa League would not have saved United’s season.
“It doesn’t change anything. Our season was bad, and it won’t change by the fact that we lost today. Obviously, winning today will give a little bit of of something bright, of something positive to the season, but won’t change that our season was very negative.”
“We had a very good competition until here, but obviously that is in the past, and unfortunately we know we’re not the winners and we’re not not going to be remembered for that.”
“So I think it’s very disappointing, a very difficult day for us. It was a competition where we had a big ambitions, but unfortunately, it wasn’t our day.”
Head coach Ruben Amorim will lead his side into Sunday’s final Premier League clash against Aston Villa with major doubts looming over his ability to turn things around at the club, following what has been United’s worst season since they were relegated in 1973/74.
Featured image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
