After a gritty 3-2 victory over Roma in the Champions League, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes spoke candidly about the club's systemic issues. He believes one successful result cannot address the deep-rooted challenges the team has faced for some time.
In the winning fixture at Old Trafford, Matheus Cunha scored a brace, and Fernandes converted a penalty, but following the final whistle, the midfielder preferred to discuss broader failures.
There isn't just one problem; there are many. There are a lot of things that need improving and doing differently. Unfortunately for us, this has been going on for a long time, which makes it much tougher, he noted in an interview with TNT Sports.
Fernandes emphasised that every player understands the level of responsibility that comes with joining such a club, but the reality in recent years has been challenging: the team struggles to compete for the positions and trophies they desire. He called on his teammates to appreciate the privilege of wearing the shirt through both good and bad times.
When asked about the reasons for the decline in recent matches, the midfielder highlighted issues of confidence and mental pressure:
This is a matter of confidence. In this club, it is tough when results are negative. There are many factors outside the dressing room, beyond the players and staff, that worsen performances and hinder us on the pitch. This significantly affects many players: some cope better, while others struggle.
According to the Portuguese, the team creates inflated expectations for themselves, and when performances do not meet these standards, players feel "mentally shattered" due to their inability to deliver what they believe they are capable of.
