Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has said that he must "take responsibility" for the team's difficulties in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Red Devils have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, picking up just eight points from their opening seven matches to sit down in 14th spot in the table.
Fernandes has been sent off twice in his last three appearances for the club, while the Portugal international's performances have been widely criticised in the opening months of the season.
The 30-year-old has provided four assists in 11 appearances this season, but he has a record of just one assist in seven Premier League matches and is yet to get off the mark in terms of goals in 2024-25.
Fernandes has taken his share of the responsibility for the team's lack of goals this term, and he is determined to help the Red Devils turn a corner after the international break.
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Fernandes says he has 'his own standards'
"As for the club, I want to improve as soon as I get there, and make sure the goals start coming again," Fernandes told reporters while on international duty with Portugal.
"I have to take responsibility for that too, because I'm a midfielder who scores a lot of goals, and over the years, I've always been at a very high level in terms of goals and I have to live up to that, with those expectations.
"I also have my own standards, I don't hold back on that. I haven't scored for the club yet and I hope that as soon as I get there I can score and help the club get back to winning ways and to a good level."
Fernandes had his red card against Tottenham Hotspur overturned, so he has not had to serve a suspension in the Premier League, but he will be banned for the team's next Europa League clash against Fenerbahce, having been sent off in the contest with Porto in Portugal earlier this month.
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How has Fernandes performed at Man United?
The attacker has been one of Man United's best-ever January signings, with the Portuguese putting up impressive numbers for the club since arriving in the early stages of 2020.
Fernandes has managed 79 goals and 70 assists in 244 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, including 54 goals and 41 assists in 166 appearances in the Premier League.
Only Southampton (four) have scored fewer times than Man United (five) in the Premier League this season, and the club desperately need Fernandes to find his shooting boots again if they are to rise up the table in the coming weeks.
Fernandes is set to represent his country against Poland and Scotland during the October international break before heading back to Manchester to prepare for next weekend's Premier League game against Brentford.
Matt Law
