Bruno Fernandes Blames Manchester United's Inferior Intensity For Loss To Bournemouth

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has admitted that his team deserved to get nothing out of Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth.

United lost 3-0 at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi.

Speaking after the game, Fernandes blamed the defeat on United's failure to match Bournemouth in terms of intensity. 

"We did many things wrong today," Fernandes told BBC Sport. "Bournemouth deserved the win today; they were more intense than us, more eager than us. We should have performed better. We should expect the intensity of the game.

"We are not consistent enough. If you wan to be in the top spots, you have to do it every three days. It is about understanding we need our level every game; if you drop your levels a little bit, you get punished."

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes pictured looking dejected during his team's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford

IMAGO/PA Images/Martin Rickett

Bournemouth's intensity was exemplified by their high press which forced a turnover in the build-up to Solanke's opening goal in the fifth minute.

Fernandes was in United's left-back position when he chipped a pass towards Scott McTominay, who was unable to control the ball under pressure from Lewis Cook.

After winning the ball, Cook then sprinted passed Sofyan Amrabat before firing in a cross, which Solanke diverted past Andre Onana with a brilliant back-heeled finish.

Bournemouth's other two goals were headers from crosses whipped in by Marcus Tavernier.

But more good pressing almost saw the Cherries make it 4-0 in added time when Dango Ouattara put the ball in the net only for his goal to be disallowed for handball following a VAR review.

Fernandes received his fifth Premier League yellow card of the season late in the second half on Saturday, meaning he will be suspended for next week's trip to Liverpool.