Bruno Fernandes has sent a warning to his Manchester United teammates that they cannot use ‘tiredness’ as an excuse for their form ahead of four key fixtures that will determine their Champions League fate.
United’s marathon season is drawing to a close and Erik ten Hag’s maiden campaign at the helm will go down as a huge success if his faltering side secures a top four spot and a domestic cup double.
The Red Devils have already played 57 matches in all competitions this season and, according to ESPN, Ten Hag fears the hectic schedule, allied to the winter World Cup, is catching up with his team.
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And the last two displays and consecutive 1-0 defeats against Brighton and West Ham have given cause for concern, especially because of Liverpool’s recent renaissance.
The resurgent Reds have drawn to within one point of their rivals, albeit having played a match more, on the back of six consecutive wins.
Three of United’s last four Premier League games are at home, however, starting with Wolves on Saturday, and Fernandes has told his teammates to do whatever it takes to get across the finish line and secure a Champions League place that few were predicting back in August.
Fernandes told Sky Sports: ‘This club has to be in that position. And I think these players deserve to be there too.
‘The team has done a great job this season when no one thought United could be fighting for the top four. At the beginning of the season no one put our team in the top six.
‘We knew we could be even higher. And soon this club will be fighting for even bigger things.
On concerns of fatigue, the United playmaker added: ‘Tiredness is always there.
‘We play many games so that’s normal, but our club we want to play as many games as possible, to be in a position to win trophies and reach finals. You have to find a way to rest when possible.’
