Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes echoed Ruben Amorim’s feelings after the manager said he was “really mad” with his players despite their 2-2 draw at Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Lisandro Martinez gave the much-improved Red Devils a surprise lead at Anfield, where Liverpool turned the scoreline around before Amad Diallo equalised to leave Fernandes baffled by his new team’s preceding run of four consecutive defeats.
“I’m pretty 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 at Liverpool… why can’t we do this everywhere? It frustrates me. Also, finally I had a proper [individual] performance. We said we need much more from ourselves to get more from this season.
“We put in a real effort. Playing with passion and heart is what is going to give you something from the game. You have to put in effort and that’s why we took something. It can’t stop here.”
“Why can’t we do this every week…”
Bruno Fernandes says that his team need to give more if they want to fight for a higher position in the PL table 📈 pic.twitter.com/SDk0D1tEl2
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
📰 Table Of Contents
Amorim: ‘I have to calm down’
United had sunk to 14th before taking on opponents 23 points above them, with the most successful team in top-flight history only seven points above the relegation zone.
They had lost their previous three games without scoring, including a 2-0 loss at home to Newcastle on Monday in which both of the goals they conceded came within the first 20 minutes.
“I get more mad because of the other games, so it’s even harder to understand some things,” said Amorim, reiterating his belief that the problem is not about trying to make players feel comfortable with his preferred 3-4-3 formation.
“It’s not about the system… it’s about something else. I have to calm down [before speaking to the players] and say the right things.
“We are in a difficult moment but it’s hard to not get really mad. We have to do it against any opponents. We have to fight really hard to get out of this situation. I’m really, really mad because of the other games.”
“I get more mad because of the other games…we need to fight REALLY bad to get out of this situation”
Ruben Amorim says that today’s result has made him ‘really mad’ with Man United’s previous results across the Premier League 😯 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 last attack of the game, but defender Harry Maguire launched a shot over the bar from close range in space.
“We have been criticised and fairly,” said Fernandes. “Our position in the table says it all: we have lost too many points.
“Even today, we can’t be happy with a point. We need the points and we could’ve won the game at the end, but it’s a fair result. Both teams played good football.”
After a three-match unbeaten start in all competitions following his arrival in November, Amorim has seen his side lose six of their subsequent seven domestic games, with the exception being a late comeback to win at reigning champions Manchester City.
They travel to second-placed Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday (3pm GMT) before hosting rock-bottom Southampton in the Premier League the following Thursday (8pm).
“It’s the best performance under Ruben Amorim…” @GNev2 says Manchester United must keep their heads held high in the Premier League! 👑 pic.twitter.com/xfKdZw7hGU
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
United ‘need to suffer’
“It’s the way we face the game, the way we are competitive,” Amorim said of United’s problems. “You don’t need training for that.
“The important thing is not to relax and forget tomorrow and then return to the same behaviour in the next game.
“I will try to remind these players that we need to suffer. It’s part of our job. I guarantee you, I am really trying on the basics.”
