Bruno Fernandes Backs Manchester United Teammate, Says 'We Have To Protect Him'

Bruno Fernandes backed Manchester United teammate David de Gea, saying the team has to "protect" the goalkeeper after their 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.

De Gea was the standout performer for Manchester United in the derby at Old Trafford and acknowledging his contribution, Fernandes said the scoreline would have been worse had it not been for De Gea.

"It's always a bad time to concede a goal but the problem is the way we concede goals. It's too easy. As I said, many, many times, if not for David, the result could be much higher and worse for us. We have to protect David better. Because he is protecting us a lot and we have to help him. He cannot make, every game, eight [or] nine saves and still concede goals," Fernandes told Man Utd's media after the loss to City on Saturday.

The 2-0 loss to Man City marked Manchester United's fourth loss in the Premier League in the underway campaign.

Fernandes, who has not scored in seven straight league games, also thanked the fans for their constant support despite the team's horrendous performances. A fortnight ago, the Red Devils were humiliated 5-0 at Old Trafford by their arch-rivals Liverpool FC.

"We just have to apologize to the fans and that's it. It was not good enough from us. It was a great atmosphere they created and they pushed us until the end. They gave that energy to us but, from us, it was not enough," the Portuguese midfielder further added.

Manchester United are not in action until two weeks due to the international break. The Old Trafford side will resume the league with a trip to Watford before crucial clashes with Villarreal and Chelsea.

A number of players will now leave Manchester for their respective countries, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, and according to Fernandes, while it will be a difficult two weeks, they just have to get on with it and make sure they're prepared for the visit to Vicarage Road on Nov. 20.

"Yeah, it will be long but now it's time for everyone to focus on the national team. The ones who stay here try to work hard, recover well and be ready for the games that are coming," said Fernandes in the same interview.

The 27-year-old Portugal national has netted four goals and eight assists in 16 competitive appearances for Manchester United in the 2021-22 campaign. With 17 points, the Red Devils are placed sixth in the Premier League table and are level on points with seventh-placed Brighton.