Bruno Fernandes has said Manchester United must stop measuring itself against its highly decorated past in order to progress as a club, in a fresh interview with Sky Italia following Wednesday night's 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como.
The loss stretched United's winless run to seven matches and left manager Michael Carrick on the brink of dismissal. Fernandes started the game in Como but was substituted midway through the second half and was visibly frustrated as he took his seat on the bench.
Fernandes Calls for a New Focus
Speaking at full-time, the Portuguese playmaker pointed the finger for United's latest humiliation at Carrick's tactics. He has now taken aim at the club once again, saying everyone must understand that things are no longer the same.
“Everyone at the club needs to understand that things are no longer the same; we are no longer in the past, and we must look to the future,” he declared.
“We need to create something different in the present. At this club, there is too much focus on what was achieved in the past, but that is no longer who we are.”
Pressure Mounts on Carrick
Carrick is the latest in a long line of United managers to have tried and failed to match the dominance of Sir Alex Ferguson, who steered the club to 13 league titles alongside a host of other domestic and international honours in 27 years as its manager. United have not won the Premier League since Ferguson retired in 2013.
The early days of this season have been particularly poor, and Carrick's job is now at risk as a result. Fernandes continued, saying that United need change if they are to get back to winning ways.
“It’s a very difficult time for us; we aren’t getting the points or the results we want. Most importantly, we aren’t delivering the level of performance we expect from ourselves,” he said.
“Unfortunately, it’s one of those spells that we just can’t seem to break out of. We need to do something to change this situation and start winning—it’s crucial.”
Future Uncertain Ahead of Bournemouth Visit
It remains to be seen whether Carrick will be in the dugout for the visit of Bournemouth this weekend, though United’s hierarchy are said to be looking into potential new managers as they consider his future.
