Bruno dissects Sunday's defeat

Sunday 19 January 2025 17:31

Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United must continue to look in the right direction despite suffering defeat against Brighton at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim's men were beaten 3-1 by the Seagulls in the Premier League, thanks to goals from Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter.

United did restore parity midway through the first half thanks to our captain's spot-kick but it wasn't to be across a frustrating afternoon.

After notching his fifth goal of the season, Fernandes spoke to MUTV to dissect where it went wrong for the Reds, particularly in the second half.

Bruno: We lacked confidence and belief Video

Bruno: We lacked confidence and belief

Bruno Fernandes analyses where United went wrong at Old Trafford on Sunday…

"Yeah, [we are] really disappointed, it is not the result we wanted," began Fernandes. "I think we started the game really badly, then we came back into the game.

"In the first half, we were the better team but we lacked a little bit of decision-making in the final third.

"We also lacked a little bit of consistency, in the final third, to stay on the ball more there and try to hurt them by being brave on the ball, to be brave from there and try to pin them back. This is something that we have to improve."

It is no secret that trying to implement a fresh playing style is affecting United on the pitch, with Amorim himself admitting he needs more time.

Bruno was quizzed on whether low confidence is an issue running through the side at present and insisted a combination of mental barriers remain in the way.

"It is [difficult] but I think, in the second half, we showed the opposite," responded Fernandes, when asked by MUTV's Liam Bradford. "We could have stayed in the game at 2-1 [but] we also lacked a little bit of belief in that moment, where we could get back into the game and change the game.

"Then you concede to make it 3-1 and everything from there becomes a little bit more difficult. We still had time to come back into the game, we still had time to do something different but what worries me the most is the lack of confidence we have at the moment to do the things that we are able to do.

"I don't mind anyone losing the ball for trying something to try to help the team but we need to get the best out of the players.

"We need the players to trust themselves that they are able to turn things around for ourselves."

Ruben’s take on Brighton defeat Video

Ruben’s take on Brighton defeat

Ruben Amorim speaks with MUTV following United’s 3-1 home defeat to Brighton…

United return to action on Thursday as we take on Rangers in our next Europa League assignment.

The 20:00 GMT kick-off presents an opportunity to kick on in the bid to clinch a top-eight spot in the table to secure automatic qualification for the knockout phase.

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