Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes says he took the unusual step of apologising to recently dismissed manager Erik ten Hag, admitting he could have done more to prevent the Dutchman's sacking.Ten Hag was dismissed on Monday after United's 2-1 defeat to West Ham, which left them at a disappointing 14th in the table.Though Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea saw United rise to 13th, the situation remains tense as incoming manager Ruben Amorim prepares to take over from Sporting Lisbon during the international break.Ten Hag had shown his faith in Fernandes by appointing him as captain and sticking by him amid criticism.Reflecting on this loyalty, Fernandes told Sky Sports that the players share some of the blame for the manager's fate."It is not good for anyone at the club when the manager goes," he said. "You have to take some of the blame on yourself because it is the team that is not doing so well, and it is easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players."Fernandes, who only just broke his season-long scoring drought by converting a penalty against Chelsea, admitted feeling a personal weight over the team's struggles."I spoke to the manager and apologized," he said. "We are not scoring goals, and I feel responsible.
I normally score a lot of goals, but I always give 100%, and he is aware of that."Interim manager Van Nistelrooy, who will oversee upcoming matches in the Europa League and Premier League, has yet to speak with Amorim.Meanwhile, Fernandes, who joined United from Sporting in 2020, expressed his admiration for the transformation Amorim brought to his former club."Ruben Amorim brought excitement back to the club," he said.