Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has sent a clear-cut message over the Red Devils’ ‘true’ expectations from the current Premier League season.
Erik ten Hag’s men have endured a tough start to the new season, with the Red Devils only managing three Premier League points out of a possible nine.
Manchester United defeated Fulham in their opening match of the Premier League season, with summer signing Joshua Zirkzee scoring the late winner at Old Trafford.
Following the 1-0 win at Old Trafford over Fulham, Erik ten Hag’s side suffered their first major setback after Brighton inflicted a 2-1 defeat to United at the Amex.
United’s woes continued ahead of the September international break after a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ten Hag’s men had very little to offer in response to Liverpool’s dominating performance, with Arne Slot’s side making it three wins in three in the new season.
Fernandes’ stance on Man Utd
Manchester United endured their worst finish in the Premier League last season after Erik ten Hag’s men limped to eighth place in the league table.
The Red Devils were able to book their place in this season’s Europa League after a sensational 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Bruno Fernandes has currently linked up with his Portugal teammates for the September international break after the Liverpool defeat.
The 29-year-old United star, who inked a new deal in the summer, insisted that he is well aware that United are far off from winning the Premier League title this season.
However, Fernandes has made it clear that the “real objective” for the Red Devils is for United to finish in the top four and secure Champions League football.
“Yes, I am perfectly aware that this Manchester United is not ready to win the Premier League,” he told DAZN, as per Goal.
“We are, indeed, fighting for the title with the concrete and real objective of trying to finish in the top four, in the places that give access to the Champions League.
“But there is still a lot to improve for the greater objective, and for my dream, which is to one day win this championship.”
Fernandes on Man Utd loss to Liverpool
Speaking after the Liverpool defeat, Fernandes said that all of the blame for United’s lacklustre performance could not be attributed to one player.
“We started the game really well and got more chances,” he told Sky Sports, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“We have to be more clinical, this happened against Fulham too. They [Liverpool] were clinical.”
Fernandes added: “We don’t need to be pointing fingers at everyone, that won’t help us now.”
“What’s the point in saying Casemiro lost the ball or Kobbie [Mainoo] lost the ball?
“They lost the ball because they wanted to be brave. It’s part of football. Don’t make it individual.”
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