Fernandes refuses to single Solskjaer out for blame: It´s not the coach, it´s everyone

Bruno Fernandes has refused to single Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out for blame following Manchester United’s humiliating 4-1 defeat against Watford on Saturday, insisting it is a collective failure.

Josh King, Ismaila Sarr, Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Bonaventure helped themselves to goals against the Red Devils who had Harry Maguire sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

The result means United have won just once in their last six Premier League games, losing four and conceding 12 goals in that run, with pressure intensifying on Solskjaer’s position as manager. Indeed, a board meeting is rumoured to have taken place in the wake of the loss.

Fernandes however, instead directed the blame for the side’s poor form at the team as a collective unit.

“It’s everyone’s fault,” Fernandes said to beIN Sports after the game. “It’s not the coach, it’s not one player or two, it’s everyone. Everyone has to take responsibility because everyone has to do better, everyone. Not one of us can say ‘I’m doing well’.”

Defeat at Vicarage Road. #MUFC | #WATMUN

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 20, 2021

Fernandes feels United only turned up for one half of the game and described the first half as “sloppy”, while also highlighting the Red Devils’ defensive issues.

“We [played like a wounded animal] but just for one half and that is not enough in these kinds of games in the Premier League,” Fernandes continued. “It’s not enough playing just for one half.

“Watford are a good team, they are aggressive, they have quality up front, and if you give them chances, you will concede goals. That has been a problem for us for many games and I think the attitude in the second half was there but in the first half, it was too sloppy from everyone.

“We didn’t go on the front foot, we didn’t tackle, we didn’t win our duels and against these teams, you have to do that. You have to try to keep the same intensity as them and after that, show your quality, show why you play for Manchester United.”