Fernandes: We need to build results again

Sunday 02 February 2025 17:26

Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United lacked 'aggression' following our Premier League loss against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

A brace from Jean-Philippe Mateta sunk the Reds to another home defeat despite our recent form of three wins in succession.

Fernandes occupied a slightly deeper role against the Eagles but he and his team-mates couldn't find a way through the Eagles' stern resistance.

Our no.8 spoke to MUTV after the game admitting that, despite our progress in recent weeks, games like today serve as reminders that more needs to be done as a collective.

Bruno: We need to improve in front of goal Video

Bruno: We need to improve in front of goal

Bruno Fernandes gives his thoughts on where United went wrong during Sunday’s game with Palace…

"Of course, we spoke after the games that we won that, everything we do in the past will be forgotten, if we do not win the next one," began the 30-year-old.

"Today is the case and everyone [knew] what had to focus on this one to get three points in the Premier League.

"Everyone was aware of that and it is a different competition where we have and needed to win to get three points. Unfortunately, today, we didn't get the three points."

Head coach Ruben Amorim opted to start without a natural out-and-out striker, instead preferring to select Kobbie Mainoo in the most advanced position.

Bruno admitted after the game United lacked belligerence in the final third and that must change, especially on home soil.

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Dorgu and Heaven unveiled

See the first moments of Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven on the Old Trafford pitch...

"We lacked a little bit of aggression to get into the final third and try something to score goals," added Bruno.

"We need the players we have in front to get more goals, to create more and we need to be able to take players on to get goals from that.

"We did have some chances but not as many as we should have."

Amorim fears Licha injury is serious

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The head coach is concerned after Martinez is taken off on a stretcher against Palace.

Next up for the Reds is Leicester City in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round on Friday evening and Bruno admitted our focus cannot be lost.

"You build with the results and, when you win you games, you get more confident," reflected Fernandes.

"Obviously, we won the last two games and everyone was pretty confident on what we [do] as everyone believes more when you are winning games in what you are doing.
"For us, now it is a setback but we need to understand we have been doing good things and, even today, we showed some good things.

"Obviously, the result doesn't show that but we need to be aware that we can achieve a lot with the things that we have been doing."

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