Bruno Fernandes has disclosed that he apologized to Erik ten Hag for any role he might have played in the Dutchman's dismissal as manager. Speaking after Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford, the team captain stated: “It is simpler to remove a manager than 15 players. I had a conversation with the manager and apologized to him. I was disheartened by his departure and attempted to support him. I was not scoring goals, we were not scoring goals, and I felt accountable.” Fernandes scored United's opening goal from the penalty spot against Chelsea in the 70th minute, with Moisés Caicedo's volley leveling the score four minutes later. This marked United's first league game since Ten Hag's departure, and Fernandes's penalty was his first league goal of the season.

“We understand that Erik is no longer with us, and it is not beneficial for anyone at the club when the manager leaves,” Fernandes remarked. “The team is not performing at its best, the results are not favorable, and he is the one who bears the consequences. Whenever a manager is let go, you must accept some responsibility yourself, as it is due to the team's underperformance.” Ruud van Nistelrooy, who replaced Ten Hag as interim manager, addressed Fernandes's apology. “It has been an emotionally turbulent six days from last Monday to today,” he said. “I was deeply saddened to see Erik go. The following day, we had to focus on preparing the team for Leicester in the Carabao Cup, as 75,000 people were present at Old Trafford, and the players felt a duty to perform better. They reflect on their actions and today's performance indicates they are considering their roles.”

In the 93rd minute of the draw on Sunday, Lisandro Martínez caught Cole Palmer's knee and then his foot. Although Palmer continued, he required ice on the injury afterward. Rob Jones issued a yellow card to Martínez, and VAR supported the referee's decision. At the final whistle, Chelsea's head coach, Enzo Maresca, sought an explanation from the official. “No,” Maresca said. “They offered no explanation. When there is no intent to go for the ball and instead target the legs, it is clear that a red card is warranted. Palmer was in the changing room with ice, so we are now waiting to see if it is a significant injury. It seems clear to almost everyone, but the referee made a different decision. When there is no intent to go for the ball and you only target the player, a red card is appropriate.” Regarding the incident, the Premier League Match Centre on X stated: “The referee issued a yellow card to Martínez for a challenge on Palmer. VAR reviewed the potential for a red card and confirmed the referee's decision of no red card, determining that it was a reckless challenge and not serious foul play.”

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