Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer jumped to Bruno Fernandes’ defence after the midfielder’s below-par performance in a Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City.
United lost their fourth semi-final in a row after goals from John Stones and Fernandinho sent Pep Guardiola’s side through to their fourth successive Wembley final in the League Cup.
The Red Devils put up a good fight against a resurgent City side and they had chances to take the lead and equaliser before Fernandinho’s crucial second goal.
However, things didn’t quite click for the home side and their display was embodied by Fernandes’ struggles.
The midfielder has been in sensational form for the Red Devils this term, scoring 15 goals in 31 appearances this season.
However, Fernandes was unusually below-par against City and squandered a number of good opportunities with rushed passes and poor decision-making.
Solskjaer, though, was keen to defend his talisman and says the responsibility of the defeat must be shared across the team.
‘Well of course it’s not just about Bruno not finding inspiration. It’s the whole team that should create chances,’ said Solskjaer.
‘When you play against good teams – I thought Man City played well tonight – you have to be spot on.
‘You need to earn the right to create chances. We had some moments first half on the break. Second half it was more that we built pressure but we didn’t create big chances.
‘Anthony had a couple of half-decent ones, but we just didn’t have enough in either the last pass or the last finish.’
However, the Norwegian’s side cannot afford to dwell on the victory as they open their FA Cup campaign against Watford on Saturday.
Focus then shifts back to the Premier League, where United can go top of the table with a victory against Burnley before they travel to champions Liverpool.
