Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been urged to examine his own performance after the team's 2-0 defeat to Hull City in their Premier League opener. Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino accused Fernandes of going missing during the match, despite the midfielder's pointed criticism of his teammates.
Fernandes criticises teammates after set-piece collapse
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Fernandes highlighted recurring issues that plagued United's performance. "Same mistakes as we did last season, every away game we give too much of the ball to them," he said. "In the first 20 minutes, the goalkeeper was the one with the most touches. We needed to press more, be more aggressive, and then again we need to work on set-plays and not concede these type of goals. Against these types of teams, they are waiting for that moment."
He added: "You need to match everything in intensity, aggression and everything. We had that apart from two set pieces. That cost us the game."
United conceded two first-half goals from set-pieces, with newly-promoted Hull City capitalising on defensive lapses. The defeat has immediately put pressure on manager Michael Carrick, who was appointed as Ruben Amorim's permanent successor in the summer.
Cascarino: Fernandes was 'out standing' but not running
However, Cascarino dismissed Fernandes's post-match critique, suggesting the captain was equally culpable. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "I use this as a bit of a joke when I say someone is out standing like Bruno Fernandes yesterday. He was out standing, the problem is everyone else was out running. He wasn't doing a thing."
"Bruno Fernandes is a player who I've always felt there is so much quality there but when he goes missing, he really goes missing," Cascarino added. "They were awful. There's no other phrase of wrapping it up. I've seen the word pulverized and demolished."
The former striker also warned that United fans have had a "real reality check" and expressed concern about the team's mentality. "I think Man United fans have had a real reality check. I'm sure Michael Carrick will turn it around when they get players back but that was something to be concerned about," he said.
Carrick's team lacks fight, says former striker
Cascarino questioned the team's attitude, drawing comparisons with past United sides. "He can get round the pitch. High-tempo, pressing, closing down whatever way you want to look at it, you must have a team," he said. "I've played against numerous Man United teams and they didn't let you breathe. You went to Old Trafford and you had a tin hat on because you were going to get battered. They were great technically but also mentally. They could fight and this team yesterday didn't look like they had fight in them."
United are expected to bolster their midfield within the next 24 hours with the addition of Carlos Baleba from Brighton. However, Cascarino believes a change of attitude is essential for Carrick to turn things around at Old Trafford.
