Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes defended Ralf Rangnick’s tactics after their 1-1 draw against Leicester City at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Red Devils gave themselves a huge mountain to climb in the pursuit of a top four place after dropping more points at home against Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Kelechi Iheanacho gave the visitors the lead, but Fred equalised moments later just past the hour-mark.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence through illness saw the Red devils start in a 4-3-3 system with Paul Pogba and Fernandes switching roles as the club’s false nine.
The first half was one of fine margins and saw neither team create much of note, though it was Leicester that appeared the brighter of the two sides.
The Foxes were more dominant after in the second half and Marcus Rashford was introduced to give the system a traditional forward to play around.
The draw means United trail Arsenal by three points, having played two matches more than Mikel Arteta’s side. But Fernandes says it was not Rangnick’s tactics that cost then against the Foxes and that players only have themselves to blame.
Asked about United’s system, Fernandes said: ‘It’s something we’ve done already against City and it worked really well in the first half,’ said Fernandes.
‘Today I thought it was working – we had chances and were compact. Leicester didn’t have many chances in the first half. It’s something that sometimes you have to use. It’s something that has to suit the team.
‘It’s not about one player or two. We have to be there for the team.’
United’s draw means they likely need to win all of their remaining games to finish in the top four, which will be tough given they face Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal in the run-in.
Fernandes says the disappointment against Leicester was not due to a lack of effort. He added: ‘We all know we need points. Today it was not enough. We created some chances but the last option was not the best. We have to look forward and win our own games,’ said Fernandes.
‘Everyone gave everything. I don’t believe there’s anyone who didn’t give everything in the game. Nobody lacked intensity.
‘We have to keep fighting. We know our chances. As I said before, we have to keep looking at our own games.’
