Bruno Fernandes rubbishes Man United excuse after Community Shield defeat

Bruno Fernandes has rubbished one Manchester United excuse following the Community Shield defeat against Manchester City on penalties.

Erik ten Hag decided to start Fernandes as the striker when United faced their City rivals in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.

It was the final match before the Premier League season kicks off next Friday against Fulham at Old Trafford.

Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring late on after cutting inside on his weaker left foot and slipping the ball past Ederson.

However, Bernardo Silva levelled the score with a header just two minutes from the end to force the game straight into penalties.

Pep Guardiola’s side emerged victorious 7-6 from the spot. Jonny Evans missed his penalty, and Ederson made a key save against Jadon Sancho.

For United, five players were making their first appearances since returning earlier this week. Fernandes, Garnacho, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martínez and Kobbie Mainoo did not take any part in the club’s pre-season tour.

This was brought up to Fernandes after the game, although the club captain made it clear that it was not an excuse to use for the defeat – with City also having players who just returned.]

“I think it was for both sides, they also had some players who just came back,” he told club reporters after full-time.

“That was not the issue. It wasn’t about not being fit enough; everyone has been working.”

The 29-year-old added: “What we did last season was not what this club demands, what we want from ourselves too. We want to give something else this season.

“We are going to give everything to make the fans enjoy this season. We want to make it different [to last season].”

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