Bruno Fernandes has conceded that Manchester United are not looking too far ahead in the wake of their calamitous start to the 2023/24 campaign.
United have already endured several chastening results so far this term and last weekend’s defeat against Newcastle was their 10th in all competitions this season. That has increased the pressure on Erik ten Hag, despite the fact the Dutchman enjoyed a fine maiden season at the helm.
The Red Devils are currently seventh in the Premier League table but are already some way behind the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City at the summit. And Fernandes has now admitted United will take things game-by-game as they bid to salvage their season.
Speaking to Manutd.com ahead of Wednesday night’s match against Chelsea, the United captain said: “At the moment we just have to look game-by-game because we know we are not in the position we want to be. Focusing game-by-game is what we can control at the moment and we can’t look too much at the table.
“You can look too much at the future and not do the present right. We have to raise ourselves for the next challenge we have ahead. We’re not in the place we want to be in the league – everyone knows that. So if you want to get into that place, if you want to improve that position, then you have to win the game you have ahead.”
Fernandes’ comments come in the wake of reports claiming that Ten Hag’s job is currently at risk. And Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes that the former Ajax chief could have just three games to save his job.
Writing in his predictions columns for Sportskeeda, Merson said: “If they lose to Chelsea, Bournemouth, and Bayern, I don’t see how Ten Hag keeps his job. I do think they’ll beat Bournemouth, however, and they could do well against a Bayern Munich side that has already qualified for the Round of 16.
“Chelsea haven’t been great defensively, and Man United are all over the place. They let in three goals against Galatasaray and could’ve conceded ten against Newcastle.”
He added of United’s defeat to Newcastle: “I thought it was embarrassing. I was shocked by the way United played and the lack of effort they put in.”
