Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes echoed Ruben Amory's sentiments after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Premier League leaders Liverpool but the manager said his players were “absolutely mad”.
Lisandro Martinez scored a stunning lead at Anfield as Liverpool turned the scoring around. Amad Diallo equalized. Fernandes left his new team frustrated by their four-game losing streak.
“I'm very upset,” said Fernandes, who returned from suspension for Martinez's opener as United scored against Liverpool for the first time since 2018.
“If we showed this level in Liverpool… why can't we do it everywhere? It disappoints me. I finally got a decent (individual) performance. He said that he needs a lot from himself to get more this season.
“We are really working hard. Playing with passion and heart will give you something from the game. We took something because you have to make an effort. We can't stop here.”
“Why can't we do this every week…”
Bruno Fernandes says his side will have to pay 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
Amorim – 'I have to calm down'
United finished 14th by beating their rivals. 23 points above them.Seven points above the relegation zone is the most successful team in Premier League history.
They have failed to score in their previous three games, including a 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle on Monday, with both goals coming in the first 20 minutes.
“The other games made me more crazy,” he said. So some things are more difficult to understand,” Amorim added, adding that he is not trying to make the players comfortable with his preferred 3-4-3 formation.
“This is not about the system; That's something else. I have to calm down (before talking to the players) and say the right things.
“We're in a difficult moment, but it's hard not to be really upset. We have to do it against any opponent. We have to fight really hard to get out of this situation. I'm really crazy about other games.”
“The other games made me madder… I had to fight really hard to get out of this situation.”
Ruben Amory said today's result made Man United's previous results across the Premier League crazy 😯 pic.twitter.com/MNIvEalVWo
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5 2025
Fernandes – United 'need points'
United suffered only Liverpool's second defeat in all competitions in a last-gasp attack, but defender Harry Maguire fired over the crossbar from close range in space.
Fernandes said: “We have been fairly criticized. “Our position in the table says it all. We have too many points.
“Even today, I can't be happy to remember it. We needed points and could have won at the end of the game, but it was a fair result. Both teams played good football.”
Following his arrival in November, a three-game unbeaten run in all competitions followed. Amorim saw his side lose six of their next seven domestic games, the exception being a late comeback to beat champions Manchester City.
They travel to second-placed Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday (3pm GMT) before hosting Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday (8pm GMT).
“It was the best performance under Ruben Amorim…” @GNev2 Manchester United must keep their heads in the Premier League, he said. 👑 pic.twitter.com/xfKdZw7hGU
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5 2025
United need to suffer;
“That's the way we approach the game. It's the style of competition,” Amorim said of United's problems. “You don't need to train for that.
“The important thing is not to relax and forget about tomorrow, but to repeat the same behavior in the next match.
“I will remind these players that we are in pain. It is part of our job. I assure you, I am really trying to get to the bottom of it.”