Man United captain Bruno Fernandes calls teammates ‘too SOFT’ in FA Cup final loss to rivals Man City… with midfielder wondering why they weren’t ‘closer’ by Ilkay Gundogan for his winning goal
- Bruno Fernandes, 28, has accused his Man United team-mates of being ‘too soft’
- United lost the FA Cup final 2-1 to rivals Man City on Saturday at Wembley
- The Red Devils captain questioned their marking for Ilkay Gundogan winner
Bruno Fernandes has accused his Manchester United team-mates of being ‘too soft’ in their FA Cup final loss to Manchester City.
United lost the cup showpiece to bitter rivals 2-1 at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Red Devils captain Fernandes equalized from the spot after Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring just 13 seconds out, but Gundogan had far too much time and space to score the winner shortly after half-time.
And the Portuguese midfielder, 28, insisted United underperformed that day and wondered why his fellow stars weren’t ‘closer’ to Gundogan before scoring his second goal .
He said: “We got back into the game, we started badly but we got back into it and had some good spells on the ball in the first half.
Captain Bruno Fernandes has accused his Manchester United team-mates of being ‘too soft’
United lost the FA Cup final 2-1 to bitter rivals Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday
Fernandes wondered why other stars weren’t ‘closer’ to Ilkay Gundogan ahead of his winner
“After scoring, we had some good counters but we didn’t score. We conceded early in the second half and had more chances but we didn’t and City deserved the win.
“We were too soft and left too much space for the first goal, but it’s an incredible strike. If the players are tighter they might be able to stop it, but it’s an incredible strike.
Gundogan’s first was the fastest goal in FA Cup final history.
The United midfielder failed to keep up with the City captain’s run and he flew home from outside the penalty area.
Fernandes equalized from the penalty spot when Jack Grealish was controversially penalized for the handball, before Gundogan headed home from the edge of the box after being found by a free kick from Kevin De Bruyne.
United boss Erik ten Hag echoed Fernandes’ frustration with the goals they conceded at Wembley.
He added: “We did very well, we conceded two goals softly but we were in the game. There was a great spirit and a very good organisation.
“They were tough goals, they were so soft and avoidable. When you play against City and you concede almost nothing in open play, that’s a big credit for the team, but if you concede goals like this, it’s disappointing.
