Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has issued a public apology to former manager Erik ten Hag following the Dutchman's recent departure from the club. 
In an interview, Fernandes expressed regret for Manchester United’s recent struggles, recognizing the challenging decision clubs often face in replacing a manager over restructuring an entire squad.
Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United came to an abrupt end after a disappointing series of performances left the club in 14th place in the Premier League. The Dutchman, who served for two and a half years, was dismissed following a 2-1 defeat against West Ham. Manchester United’s leadership unanimously decided that the team’s poor form warranted a change, feeling that results on the field fell short of the club’s ambitions.
After Ten Hag's departure, Fernandes assumed responsibility for his role in Manchester United's difficulties. Following a recent 1-1 draw with Chelsea, the Portuguese midfielder acknowledged the collective nature of their struggles, while noting that a manager often bears the consequences alone. "We all know that when the manager leaves, everyone is involved," Fernandes stated. "But only one pays because it’s easier to get rid of a manager than 10 or 15 players. I spoke with the manager and I apologized to him if there was something I could’ve done better for him. I feel really disappointed that he’s gone."
Reflecting on his own performance, Fernandes admitted he had not been meeting his usual standards in scoring and assists, which he saw as a personal shortcoming that may have affected the team's results. "I wasn’t scoring goals, and that’s a big thing for me and for the team," he said, acknowledging that the lack of goals weighed heavily on his sense of responsibility. Despite his struggles, Fernandes affirmed that he always gave his best effort to support Ten Hag and contribute to the team's success.
In the Chelsea match, Fernandes briefly put Manchester United ahead with a penalty, but Moises Caicedo’s volley later equalized for Chelsea, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Though not a win, this outcome provided a spark of optimism for United as they adapt under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Looking forward, Manchester United has initiated the search for a permanent successor to Ten Hag, recently announcing that Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon will take over as head coach in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Fernandes and his teammates must regroup, focusing on elevating their performances to improve their standings in the Premier League.
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