Manchester United will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run when their players return and they take on Everton after the international break
Bruno Fernandes has broken his silence after Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card(Image: Getty)
Manchester United’s finest are currently on international duty with the Premier League on pause and will return to face Everton in their next fixture. Ruben Amorim’s team drew 2-2 with Tottenham before some of the squad dispersed to represent their respective nations.
Following an underwhelming opening to the season, United find themselves seventh in the Premier League table, though only four points separate them from second position. They haven’t suffered a league defeat since the end of September.
Everton will provide the opposition when the squad reconvenes after the international window, with captain Bruno Fernandes amongst those representing Portugal during the break.
Portugal took on Ireland on Thursday evening in a match which saw Cristiano Ronaldo dismissed and Fernandes has now addressed the incident. The Manchester Evening News has gathered the latest developments from Old Trafford, including updates on a defender’s ongoing difficulties and criticism of Sir Jim Ratcliffe from a club great.
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Bruno Fernandes on Cristiano Ronaldo error
United’s skipper Fernandes is with the Portugal squad but was serving a suspension during Thursday’s encounter with Ireland. Troy Parrott netted twice to give the home side a commanding 2-0 lead before the interval.
With Portugal attempting to mount a comeback, all-time leading scorer Ronaldo received his marching orders in the 61st minute following a swinging elbow. Fernandes has defended his former United colleague, whilst acknowledging the “mistake” proved costly for Portugal.
Fernandes admits Ronaldo cost his team(Image: Getty)
“It was just a football moment,” said Fernandes ahead of his country’s match with Armenia. “Cristiano reacted in a way he didn’t intend and it cost the team. He knows he made a mistake but such moments happen.
“Ireland defended well. We moved the ball too slowly. We need to be quicker and more direct. But we analyse mistakes the same way in wins or losses.”
Matthijs de Ligt’s struggles persist
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman appears unconvinced by Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt, despite his improved performances under Amorim this campaign.
Whilst recalled to the national squad this week after repeated omissions over the past year, the £40m signing from Bayern Munich remained an unused substitute during Friday’s 1-1 draw with Poland – deepening his international frustrations. Koeman subsequently criticised his defence despite overlooking De Ligt.
De Ligt did not play against Poland(Image: Getty)
“In certain situations, we need to be more patient and improve our defence,” admitted Koeman after his team’s draw on Friday evening.
“Poland didn’t have many opportunities, but they created two clear goal-scoring chances, while we failed to capitalise on such opportunities.”
Eric Cantona launches criticism
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s spell as minority owner at Old Trafford has attracted considerable scrutiny, with one legendary former player delivering an especially damning assessment.
Frenchman Eric Cantona has expressed his belief that the legacy of his former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has been tarnished by the current leadership.
Cantona unleashed on Ratcliffe(Image: Getty)
“I have many other passions and projects, but I thought that for two or three years I could maybe put those to the side and try to give something to this club, which has given everything to me. But [Ratcliffe] didn’t seem interested,” Cantona shared during the live event An Evening with Eric ‘The King’ Cantona.
“I did what I had to do so I don’t feel guilty anymore. I tried my best. Sir Alex Ferguson created a style of beautiful attacking football, which the new owners should have used. Instead, they destroyed it.”
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