Bruno Fernandes Apologizes to Erik ten Hag After Manchester United Struggles Lead to Manager’s Exit
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has shared that he personally contacted Erik ten Hag to apologize on behalf of the team after the Dutch manager’s recent dismissal. Ten Hag’s exit marks the end of a turbulent tenure at United, during which he managed to secure two trophies but struggled to maintain consistency in his final season. The decision to part ways with the former Ajax boss came as United found themselves in a difficult position in the Premier League, sitting 14th in the table, and winless in their opening three Europa League matches.
Fernandes, who was appointed club captain by Ten Hag, expressed a sense of personal responsibility for the manager’s departure, recognizing the role players play when a coach is let go. Speaking to Sky Sports after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, where he scored United’s only goal, Fernandes candidly admitted that the players bear some of the blame for Ten Hag’s early exit.
“Whenever you see a manager go, you have to take some of the blame on yourself,” Fernandes said. “It is because the team is not doing so well.” The Portuguese midfielder’s comments reflect an understanding that while managers often face the consequences of poor results, players are equally accountable for their performances on the pitch.
Ten Hag’s journey at United was initially marked by optimism and a sense of renewal. Arriving with a strong reputation from his successful stint at Ajax, he was seen as the ideal candidate to steer United back to the top. In his first two full seasons, he managed to guide United to silverware, winning two trophies and bringing back a sense of competitiveness. However, the current season’s poor start exposed cracks within the squad, and mounting losses eventually led to increased scrutiny of Ten Hag’s tactics and leadership. This unfortunate turn of events ultimately led to his departure, despite the goodwill he had built with the club.
For Fernandes, the situation is especially significant, as he was given the captaincy by Ten Hag—a gesture that indicated trust and confidence in his leadership on the field. The armband was a point of pride for Fernandes, who has since become a vocal leader within the team. However, the disappointing results weighed heavily on him, and he felt compelled to reach out to Ten Hag personally to express his regret and apologize on behalf of the squad.
“It is easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players,” Fernandes said, acknowledging the harsh reality of football, where coaches often pay the price for a team’s collective underperformance. “I spoke to the manager and apologised to him,” he added. “I was disappointed he has gone and I tried to help him.”
The midfielder’s apology underscores his sense of accountability and reflects the frustration felt by the squad and fans alike. As one of United’s most influential players, Fernandes has often been seen rallying the team and pushing for higher standards, but even his efforts were not enough to prevent Ten Hag’s dismissal. His willingness to accept responsibility and apologize on behalf of the team highlights the respect he had for the Dutch coach, as well as his awareness of the impact of United’s poor results.
This season, United’s form has been far from what fans and the management had hoped for. In the Premier League, they’ve struggled to secure consistent wins, often looking disjointed and lacking cohesion on the field. Their disappointing Europa League campaign has only added to the pressure, with United failing to register a win in their first three games—an unusual and concerning statistic for a team of their stature. These struggles compounded the scrutiny on Ten Hag, who, despite his achievements, was ultimately unable to meet the club’s expectations this season.
Fernandes’ comments also reflect the difficult balance of responsibility that comes with being a captain, particularly at a club as high-profile as Manchester United. As the team’s leader, he understands the weight of expectations and the importance of results, not just for the coach but for the entire squad. The decision to reach out to Ten Hag personally was an indication of his respect for the manager and an acknowledgment of the team’s shortcomings.
The 1-1 draw with Chelsea, in which Fernandes scored from the penalty spot, was United’s first match without Ten Hag in charge. While the result did little to change their league position, it marked a new chapter for the club as they navigate life under interim leadership. Fernandes, as captain, now faces the added challenge of guiding the team through this transition period, keeping morale high, and ensuring that the squad remains focused on their objectives.
In football, managerial changes are often a wake-up call for players, and Fernandes’ apology to Ten Hag serves as a reminder that the responsibility for United’s success—or failure—rests with everyone involved. As United look to rebuild under new leadership, Fernandes’ words offer a glimpse of his determination to lead by example and his commitment to helping the club return to winning ways.
