‘Too little and too late’ – Keane dismisses Bruno Fernandes apology to Erik ten Hag

Bruno Fernandes reveals that he apologised to Erik ten Hag for any role he may have played in the Dutchman’s dismissal as manager.

Players should always look to what they could have done to prevent something like this, even if it’s just a small share of the responsibility. There is nothing worse than a player who lays the blame elsewhere.

Speaking on Sunday after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford, the club captain said: “It’s easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players. I spoke with the manager and I apologised. I was disappointed that he left and I tried to help him. I wasn’t scoring goals, we weren’t scoring goals, and I feel responsible.

Bruno Fernandes back among the goals

Fernandes scored his first league goal of the season on Sunday against Chelsea. He also made it on the scoresheet in back-to-back games after scoring a brace against Leicester City in a 5-2 win on Wednesday night.

“We know Erik is gone; it’s not good for anyone at the club when the manager leaves,” Fernandes stated. “The team is not at its best, the results are not good, and he is the one who pays the price. Whenever you see a manager leave, you have to take some of the blame; it’s because the team is not performing well enough.”

There is no getting away from the fact it has been a difficult week for the team. From saying goodbye to Ten Hag, talk of a new manager and two games under an interim coach.

Too little too late from Fernandes, says Keane

Former United captain Roy Keane dismissed Fernandes’ apology after the match. He called it ‘too little, too late’ in the studio at Old Trafford.

“Too little and too late,” Keane said. “Listen, these are always awkward interviews, but I wouldn’t have much time or patience for a player saying, ‘Listen, I’m sorry I let you down.’ Too little and too late.

“You are judged by what you do on the football pitch, and I don’t think Bruno has done enough in many of the games where he hasn’t shown that leadership. So, obviously, it will be interesting to hear what Ten Hag has to say about it, but we also need to move on.

“Listen, many players don’t really care much when a manager leaves. They just focus on the next manager coming in, prepare, and look after themselves. Of course, that’s part of the game. Players can be selfish, we know this.

“But I don’t think Bruno has done enough as Manchester United captain last year to help the manager. Not at all. The evidence is there with all the results.

“Not just with Bruno, of course, but I don’t think he has shown enough leadership skills when the going got tough in some of the performances. I don’t think Bruno should be very proud of what happened to the Manchester United manager over the past two weeks with Ten Hag. I think, in the end, the players let the manager down.”