Manchester United were dealt a sober humbling earlier on Sunday when Erik ten Hag’s men fell to Liverpool by a whopping seven goals, conceding six goals in the second half.
The defeat is just United’s second in this calendar year and has taken supporters worldwide by complete surprise after a monstrous week, which included victories over Barcelona and winning the Carabao Cup.
For the first time since the first couple of games under Ten Hag, there was a feeling that the player had given up halfway through the game and now, pundit Gary Neville has described captain Bruno Fernandes as ‘a disgrace’.
“Bruno Fernandes is stood in the centre circle with his arms raised saying why isn’t it me coming off? Honestly, I have to say that some of his behaviour in this second half has been a disgrace,” Neville said on commentary, according to the Manchester Evening News.
“He’s been brilliant for Manchester United at times, his assists and his goals. Look, that first 40 minutes would be what I would call a classic away performance at Anfield where I thought Manchester United weathered the storm and it looked like they were gonna go and get the goal and go ahead at half-time, but they conceded just on the stroke of half-time.
“The second half has been an absolute disgrace, a shambles, epitomised no more by the captain Bruno Fernandes, who I think has been embarrassing at times in this game. But, I have to say, it’s not their usual performance, it’s not their usual form, it’s not their usual spirit, and he (Ten Hag) will deal with it, I’m sure. Very quickly, like he’s dealt with other difficult situations this season.”
SN’s verdict…
Fernandes has enjoyed some high highs with United but also some deep lows and this ranks high among the lows, perhaps it’s his lowest point.
That second-half showing was disgraceful from every last player but Fernandes especially, as captain, behaved like someone who would deserve to be stripped of the armband.
The captaincy is up for grabs as Harry Maguire is unlikely to stay at the club past this summer and although Fernandes has been a good stand-in skipper, scenes such as these mean more than a routine victory over Leicester at Old Trafford.
