OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER says Bruno Fernandes knows now what it means to be a Manchester United player after a fortnight of criticism and stories of bust-ups.
The Manchester United boss pointed out that his Portuguese play-maker had lost only two league games since his arrival at the end of January.
Fernandes was fuming during half-time of the Spurs mauling and was hauled off by SolskjaerCredit: EPA
But as ever with the Red Devils, two defeats equals a crisis and with Fernandes subbed at half-time in the 6-1 defeat against Spurs, there has been extra scrutiny on him.
Solskjaer said: “Bruno has lost two league games since he came.
“It’s been two in quick succession and he’s not used to losing league games but welcome to Manchester United, this is what happens.
“They are going to try and create a division between us but it’s not going to happen, this is a group that wants to work together and stick together.”
While it is not clear who ‘they’ are, there has understandably been criticism of the team given their awful start to the league season.
It has seen two defeats from three and 11 goals conceded, ending with the humiliation at the hands of Spurs.
Solskjaer said: “We know we’ve started the season badly and that game ended really badly.
“We started well and after the sending off with ten men we couldn’t hold on or get a result.
“When we got the 3-1 just after the sending off, the extra hope went and we know we have to perform better.
“But we’ve now had two weeks to think about it, work on it, with the others who were here, while the ones on internationals had positive and negative experiences.
“We’ve been in touch with the ones that have been away and it’s one of those things you have to get over as soon as you can, we know any little chance from outside people want to create division.
“Bruno spoke well the other day. We are united and have to stay together, we can’t listen to everyone outside, we have got to get on with it.”
United travel to Newcastle on Saturday evening amid calls captain Harry Maguire to be given a day off amid his worrying run of form.
There were fears that Fernandes would have to miss the next four games after Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo tested positive for Covid.
However, it is not believed the current United star had close contact with the Old Trafford legend and has been given the green light to play.
Man Utd could be without Bruno Fernandes for four matches under UK rules after Ronaldo’s positive coronavirus test
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
