Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged for a sense of calm, amid a slow start to the season.
After losing to Arsenal on the opening weekend of the season, Manchester United needed to beat Fulham.
Ruben Amorim’s side could only manage a 1-1 draw, missing a penalty along the way, with some concerning problems emerging for the team in the second half.
Fernandes really should have been substituted, and was criticised for losing his runner for Fulham’s equaliser.
Casemiro consoles a dejected Bruno Fernandes
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand says keep perspective
Bruno Fernandes created five goalscoring chances in Manchester United’s opening game of the season against Arsenal, but only one against Fulham.
Concerns are ongoing about his shift into a deeper role, in part because United are trying to find the right partner for him, and also because it has led to Kobbie Mainoo’s omission.
Speaking to YouTube, Rio Ferdinand says fans have been too swift to change their mind on Fernandes, following the backlash to his performance at the weekend.
Ferdinand believes there must be a greater sense of calm and patience around United, which he admits is not easy.
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He said: “Bruno missed a penalty, people are saying ‘get rid’. You can’t change that quick. Give time for the team to breathe this season.
“Listen if we are talking 10 games in, or around Christmas, you can start having your opinions like that, but two games in, not happy, [but] just breathe, big deep breaths guys.
“Let them play, but it’s difficult I know, the passion sets in.”
Manchester United fans having trouble separating 2024/25 from 2025/26
Manchester United hoped for a fresh start in 2025/26, after a woeful campaign in 2024/25 which saw the team finish in 15th place.
After two games this season, United are ranked down in 16th. A game against Burnley this weekend is an opportunity for a first win – but an away trip to Manchester City follows.
Also in September, United face fixtures with Brentford and Chelsea. It is hard to see a winning streak coming soon.
Ruben Amorim has not won back to back Premier League games in his time at the club, and United fans saw these two matches against Fulham and Burnley as an opportunity to quickly redress that.
As it is, the wait goes on, and pressure will be more intense than ever on the club captain Bruno Fernandes, it’s just the way it is, fair or not. Just ask former captain Harry Maguire.