Manchester United hit a new low on Sunday, suffering a crushing 4-1 loss at St James’ Park.
This defeat confirmed that the club will finish with their lowest-ever points total in Premier League history, much to the disappointment of fans and former players alike.
Bruno Fernandes Defends Manchester United Despite Dismal Performance
Following the heavy loss, Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes addressed the situation, acknowledging the harsh criticisms the team has been facing.
He remarked, “It’s easy to criticise because this club has never suffered like this,” while trying to rally the squad for their upcoming Europa League clash with Lyon.
However, Fernandes’ attempts to steady the ship were met with skepticism from former club legend Roy Keane.
On Sky Sports, Keane didn’t hold back, calling Fernandes and his teammates “bluffers” and questioning their ability to turn things around.
Roy Keane Criticizes Fernandes’ Leadership and Manchester United’s Weakness
Keane was quick to point out the lack of substance in Fernandes’ words.
“Bruno does front up but it’s kind of just soundbites now,” Keane said, adding that he was unsure whether the United players were an honest group.
According to Keane, while Fernandes is a talented player, his leadership skills were still in question.
Keane also criticized the team’s overall mentality and physical state, calling them “weak” and suggesting that even coach Ruben Amorim, who was reportedly looking at United’s performances, couldn’t believe how bad the team had become.
Keane’s words struck a nerve, as the loss to Newcastle marked United’s 14th Premier League defeat of the season, tying their record for the most losses in a single campaign.
A Dominant Newcastle Performance Seals Comfortable 4-1 Win
Newcastle’s victory came courtesy of goals from Sandro Tonali, Alejandro Garnacho, Harvey Barnes (who netted twice), and Bruno Guimaraes, after a mistake from United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
United, on the other hand, struggled throughout the match, unable to mount any significant challenge against the high-flying Magpies.
Despite showing signs of improvement in recent weeks, the heavy defeat was a major blow to United’s hopes of turning around a disastrous season.
With a crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon looming, captain Fernandes expressed the team’s focus on their next match.
Fernandes Focused on Europa League and Rebuilding Manchester United’s Confidence
In his post-match interview, Fernandes stressed the importance of the upcoming Europa League tie, stating, “Thursday is big to get into the semi-final.
We’re going to play at home, we’re going to play in front of our fans.
They will be there for us on Thursday.” Fernandes emphasized the need for the team to fight back, expressing his frustration because he knew the team was capable of much better.
The Manchester United captain seemed determined to regain the team’s confidence, despite their disappointing performance.
“We always try. You’ve even seen myself frustrated.
I know we’re much better than we have been,” he continued, urging the squad to step up for the upcoming decisive game.
Europa League: Manchester United’s Last Hope for Champions League Spot
As the match against Lyon draws closer, Fernandes and his teammates are well aware that winning the Europa League represents United’s last realistic chance of securing Champions League qualification.
With their league form falling short, the Europa League offers the club a lifeline, and Fernandes is committed to giving everything in pursuit of success.
While the 4-1 defeat to Newcastle is a bitter pill to swallow, United’s focus is now squarely on Thursday’s clash.
With the backing of their fans, the Red Devils will aim to turn their fortunes around and salvage what’s left of a season marred by inconsistency and disappointing results.
