Agbonlahor shares ‘crazy’ Man United claim amid Bruno Fernandes ‘dressing room’ twist
Gabby Agbonlahor has hailed Bruno Fernandes after Man United recovered from their 7-0 away humbling at Liverpool to beat Real Betis in the Europa League on Thursday (9 March).
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Red Devils vice-captain was made the “scapegoat” for the record defeat and therefore had to “step up and deliver”.
Fernandes provided a goal and an assist while wearing the armband as Man United cruised to a 4-1 first-leg win over Betis at Old Trafford.
The Portugal international was the target of criticism from fans and pundits alike in the wake of United’s 7-0 defeat at Anfield.
As quoted by Sky Sports (6 March), Fernandes was branded “embarrassing” and “appalling” for his role in the loss by former Man United defender Gary Neville.
Agbonlahor suggested the result was a freak rather than a sign of Erik ten Hag’s side “imploding”.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I just think it was a crazy 90 minutes, rather than a return to what we saw last season.
“They completely crumbled under the Anfield atmosphere. I don’t think that result happens anywhere else.
“But they showed against Real Betis that it was a blip.
“Fernandes had to bounce back, and he did – with a man-of-the-match performance. He was made the scapegoat for the result.
“If they had lost against Betis, then you could ask questions about what the mood is like in the dressing room and whether they had imploded.
“But they’ve put all those doubts to bed. Fernandes had to be the one to step up and deliver, and he did.”
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