Fernandes ‘very’ with Man United… as Amorim says he’s ‘very mad’

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes echoed Ruben Amorim’s sentiments after the manager said he was “very mad” at his players despite a 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool .

Lisandro Martinez gave the much-improved Red Devils a shock lead at Anfield, where Liverpool turned the tables earlier. Amad Diallo equalized to leave Fernandes reeling from his new team’s previous four-game losing streak.

“I’m pretty upset,” said Fernandes, who returned from suspension to set up Martinez’s opener as United beat Liverpool for the first time since 2018.

“If we show that level at Liverpool…why can’t we do it everywhere? It frustrates me. Also, I finally had a proper (individual) performance. We’ve said we need a lot more from ourselves to get more out of this season

“We made a real effort. Playing with passion and heart is what will get you something out of the game. You have to make an effort and that’s why we took something. It can’t stop here.”

“Why can’t we do this every week…”

Bruno Fernandes says his team must give more if they want to fight for a higher position in the PL table 📈 pic.twitter.com/SDk0D1tEl2

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025

Amorim: “I have to calm down”

United had sunk to 14th before facing their opponents 23 points above themwith the most successful team in the history of the top division just seven points above the relegation zone.

He had lost his previous three games without scoring, including a 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle on Monday in which both goals conceded came in the opening 20 minutes.

“I get angrier for the other games, so it’s even harder to understand some things,” Amorim said, reiterating his belief that the problem is not trying to get the players comfortable with their preferred 3-4-3 formation .

“It’s not about the system… it’s about something else. I have to calm down (before talking to the players) and say the right things.

“We are in a difficult moment, but it is difficult not to get very angry. We have to do it against any opponent. We have to fight hard to get out of this situation. I’m really, really crazy about the other games.”

“I get angrier because of the other games… we have to fight REALLY bad to get out of this situation”

Ruben Amorim says today’s result has made him ‘very mad’ at Man United’s previous Premier League results 😯 pic.twitter.com/MNIvEAlVWo

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025

Fernandes: United “need points”

United could have handed Liverpool only their second defeat in all competitions with the last attack of the game, but defender Harry Maguire curled a shot over the bar from close range in the area.

“We’ve been criticized and rightfully so,” Fernandes said. “Our position in the table says it all: we have lost too many points.

“Even today, we can’t be happy with a point. We need the points and could have won the game in the end but it’s a fair result. Both teams played good football.”

After a three-match unbeaten start in all competitions following his arrival in November, Amorim has seen his side lose six of their next seven domestic games, barring a late comeback to win in Manchester City, reigning champions.

They travel to second-placed Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday (15:00 GMT) before hosting rock-bottom Southampton in the Premier League next Thursday (20:00 00).

“It’s Ruben Amorim’s best performance…” @GNev2 says Manchester United must hold their heads high in the Premier League! 👑 pic.twitter.com/xfKdZw7hGU

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025

United “must suffer”

“It’s the way we approach the game, the way we’re competitive,” Amorim said of United’s problems. “You don’t need training for this.

“The important thing is not to relax and forget about tomorrow and then return to the same behavior in the next match.

“I will try to remind these players that we have to suffer. It’s part of our job. I assure you I’m really testing the bases.”