Premier League

Fernandes fiercely denies Solskjaer reports

The Portugal international has allegedly lost faith in the Man Utd boss to take the club forward, but he says there is no rift

 
9:47am on Thursday 15th October 2020
By
Martin Macdonald

Bruno Fernandes has denied reports that he criticised the tactics of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during Man Utd's recent heavy 6-1 loss against Tottenham.

This week, Duncan Castles reported on the Transfer Window Podcast that the Portuguese was furious at how the team had performed in the first half as they were trailing 4-1 at the break, and that he and other senior players were losing faith in the managerial abilities of Solskjaer.

Fernandes has fiercely contested the reports, however.

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"There's been a lot of speculation about that," he told Sport TV, via A Bola.

"First it was a discussion with team-mates, as it did not stick, it was a discussion with only one team-mate [Victor Lindelof], as it did not stick now, it is the discussion with Solskjaer.

"I believe it is a way to destabilise the group. What was said is in no way true.

Fernandes was taken off at the break by Solskjaer, with the reports indicating that the Norwegian was unhappy with the criticism from his player. But, Fernandes says it was a tactical decision.

"I was replaced at half-time, it is true, by technical option," he added.

"The coach told me that the game was almost over and that we would have a lot of games ahead of us. Got it. I was not satisfied but said nothing that could harm the group."

The former Sporting attacking midfielder insists everyone at Man Utd is ready to bounce back from the humiliating loss.

"Do not use my name, my colleagues or the coach to make trouble at Manchester United," he said.

"The atmosphere is good and the team is ready to give an answer in the next game."

Man Utd have been dreadful in the opening three matches of the 2020/21 Premier League season. They were defeated by Crystal Palace on the opening day, then were extremely fortunate to beat Brighton, while in their latest match they were destroyed at home by Spurs.

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