Bruno Fernandes releases Erik ten Hag statement after being blamed for Man Utd sacking | Football | Sport

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has paid tribute to Erik ten Hag following the Dutchman’s sacking on Monday. Ten Hag was dismissed after Sunday’s woeful 2-1 defeat by West Ham left the Red Devils 14th in the Premier League.

Despite the club’s poor form under the 54-year-old, Fernandes has told fans to remember the “good things” Ten Hag achieved at Old Trafford. There was a Carabao Cup and an FA Cup triumph during the former Ajax boss’ two full seasons in charge.

Writing on Instagram, the midfielder said: “Thanks for everything, boss! I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together, I wish you all the best.

“Even knowing the last period hasn’t been great from all of us, I hope you fans can keep with you the good things Erik has done for our club.”

It comes after former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit laid partial blame for Ten Hag’s fate at Fernandes’ feet.

He told Jeffbet: “Ten Hag showed no passion… he always seemed bored in press conferences. The only consistent thing at Manchester United now is their average performance, which has been happening for years now. Even with a change of manager, nothing will change.

“The body language of the players has been awful. Bruno Fernandes annoys me a lot, I really just want to tell him to shut up. He was terrible [against] West Ham and he was a terrible captain, he’s not captain material. There needs to be a reaction from these players.

“If I’m a manager linked to Manchester United, a big club with lots of money, I’d look at that club and ask what is the project? What are the ambitions? I don’t see anything worth joining them for.”

Ten Hag was retained by United after winning last season’s FA Cup final in May. However, United finished sixth in the Premier League and there was huge pressure for the head coach to oversee a major improvement in the club’s league performances.

But the Red Devils have won only three of their top-flight matches this season, suffering their fourth defeat of the season under controversial circumstances against West Ham. United have also drawn their first three Europa League matches and face a major battle to qualify for the next round.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ten Hag’s former assistant, has been placed in caretaker charge of first-team. Ruben Amorim, Julian Nagelsmann and Xavi are among the early external contenders to succeed Ten Hag.