Bruno Fernandes admits that Manchester United are not in “a positive moment” and suggests that he prefers playing for Portugal.
Bruno Fernandes has admitted that Manchester United are not in “a positive moment”, with the attacker suggesting that he much prefers playing for Portugal to his club.
The Red Devils have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, picking up eight points from their first seven matches to sit down in 14th spot in the table.
Fernandes has been criticised for his form this season, failing to score in 11 outings, while he has been sent off twice in his last three appearances for the 20-time English champions.
The attacker said that he must “take responsibility” for the team’s struggles in 2024-25, and he has now opened up on the contrast between turning out for his club and country.
“It’s not a positive moment. We’re not winning games and the national team space is completely different,” Fernandes said on international duty, with the 30-year-old currently with Portugal competing in the UEFA Nations League.
© Imago
Fernandes aims dig at Man United while complementing Portugal
“I’ve felt very at ease, the dynamics are very good. I’m in my country, I speak my language and I have better food. I have demonstrated a good level in the national team.
“It’s a space where I feel good and I feel like I can enjoy my football at a very high level, due to the dynamics we have and the quality I have at my side.
“It’s about improving as soon as I get there [Manchester]. Making the goals appear again because I’m a midfielder that scores a lot of goals and has over the years always shown a very high level of goals.
“I have to live up to those expectations and to my standards. What I’ve been doing is not at all what I want for this season because I haven’t scored at the club yet. I hope that once I get there, I can score and help my club get back to winning ways and be at a good level.”
© Imago
Man United will continue their season against Brentford
Fernandes is set to represent Portugal in their Nations League fixtures against Poland and Scotland before heading back to England to prepare for Man United’s next game against Brentford on October 19.
The attacker has provided four assists in his 11 appearances in all competitions this season, but he has a record of zero goals and one assist in seven Premier League appearances.
Fernandes is expected to be in the XI when the Red Devils continue their season against Brentford, and there will once again be pressure on head coach Erik ten Hag to deliver a result.
Despite the team’s struggles this term, it is understood that Ten Hag’s job is safe for now, with the Dutchman set to be given more time to turn the campaign around, but there has to be an instant improvement in terms of results and performances.