Bruno Fernandes, the Man Utd match winner: criticism is a part of the job

After scoring twice to lead Manchester United to a much-needed victory against Sheffield United, Bruno Fernandes said that the team’s players cannot afford to get irritated by criticism from the outside world.

In Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City, Erik ten Hag’s squad was heavily criticized for their play after giving up a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 and then barely winning in a penalty shootout.

Prior to their encounter with the relegation-plagued Blades on Wednesday, they had also gone four Premier League games without a victory (three draws and one loss), therefore ending their chances of playing in the Champions League.

They fell down twice as Sheffield United appeared to pull off a major shock, but Fernandes came through with two goals and an assist as they rallied for a 4-2 victory.

“That’s part of the job,” Fernandes said to Sky Sports when asked whether the commotion around Sunday’s semi-final victory had influenced the atmosphere at Old Trafford.

“You may be winning eight or nine games in a row, and when you lose one, you anticipate criticism.

“Winning every game is a requirement of working at Manchester United, therefore it’s a job. Anyone in the dressing room who isn’t used to it will eventually become accustomed to it!

“Playing for Manchester United means you have to be prepared for just as much criticism as appreciation. When we perform well, we get compliments, therefore we shouldn’t be offended by criticism.

“Those who want to do that may have a point. Though we are free to believe differently, we must accept their credit in the same manner.”

Though they did seem disorganized for extended stretches on Wednesday, Ten Hag’s club has already let up 50 goals in the Premier League this year.

The Red Devils had only shipped a half-century of goals in their previous 29 Premier League seasons, but they have now done so in two of their past three.

However, Ten Hag expressed satisfaction with the majority of their performance, saying: “The fans witnessed four goals and numerous opportunities that we produced, so it was a wonderful game for them.

“I believe we played really well, and we had a lot more opportunities, so there are a lot of good things. downsides as well, however. Giving up two goals as giveaways is not acceptable.

“We want to play football that is offensive and energetic. That’s what we want to witness. We have had a lot of opportunities since the winter, and we have also scored a lot of those opportunities.”