Bruno Fernandes admits to alarming thoughts after Man Utd's stirring comeback win over Aston Villa

Bruno Fernandes admits to alarming thoughts after Man Utd's stirring comeback win over Aston Villa

WATCH NOW: Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to improve

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 27/12/2023

- 10:07

The midfielder played a key role as his side picked up all three points

Bruno Fernandes has admitted he questioned whether he was good enough to be at Manchester United following the club's dramatic 3-2 victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

The Red Devils went into the fixture as a club in crisis after failing to score in their last four matches.


United found themselves trailing after first half goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker.

However, a brace from Alejandro Garnacho drew the hosts level before Rasmus Hojlund netted his first Premier League goal to secure all three points.

Bruno Fernandes Man Utd Aston Villa

Bruno Fernandes questioned his own quality before Man Utd's stunning comeback win over Aston Villa

PA

It was a splendid night for United, who will now be hopeful of climbing up the Premier League table.

And Fernandes has admitted he was alarmed by the club's plight and questioned his own quality during their slump.

Speaking to Prime Video, he said: "The belief has to be there, because if you don't believe in each other it's going to be difficult.

"Obviously in these last moments there's going to be some disbelief, even in yourself.

"You start to think, 'Am I even good enough to be here?'

"It's normal when things are not going right.

"It's the way you overcome that and get results even when things are not going well."

He continued: "Everyone in the team understood we had to keep pushing and knew what we needed to do.

"We knew if we could get the first goal of the second-half, we could change things.

"We've been training a lot to get our chances and goals.

"As a Man United player you know you're going to get criticised but you have to know how to deal with that and play at this level."

United were playing their first match since Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a 25 per cent stake in the club.

Sir Dave Brailsford, Ratcliffe's right-hand man, was in attendance as the Red Devils fought back to claim victory.

Fernandes, however, insists the arrival of INEOS won't impact the players.

He does feel, though, that they need to invest in the squad if United are to close the gap on the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Sir Dave Brailsford

Bruno Fernandes wants INEOS to invest in Man Utd after their stirring victory over Aston Villa

GETTY

"Not too much, because it's not going to change anything we do on then pitch, unless they put money [in] and bring some players for us," he stated.

"But it has to be us [that] makes the difference we need.

"The papers and social media we see everything, it's impossible not to.

"We know what the club is going through but we have to focus on what we can control and our performances."

United boss Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, wants United to be more consistent after they put Villa to the sword.

Alejandro Garnacho Rasmus Hojlund Man Utd Aston Villa

Bruno Fernandes was overshadowed by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund as Man Utd beat Aston Villa

PA

"Yeah, but you also have to analyse why," said the 53-year-old when asked about his side's inability to put a string of good results together.

"And so, we have to so often change the team and you don't get the routines in.

"We know football is about solid performance, and consistency, and top football.

"But we know we have to make a step there.

"But I'm sure when we have more players often available, and especially in key positions, then we will get a consistent role."

You may like