Why Bruno Fernandes changed Man Utd’s pre-match routine as team-mate reveals strategy

Manchester United drew 0-0 against Aston Villa on Sunday, with captain Bruno Fernandes electing to stray from the Red Devils’ regular protocol before kickoff.

Jonny Evans stated that Manchester United ‘had to get back to fundamentals’ to get their season back on track.

The experienced center-back feels the Red Devils had to give up their natural attacking inclinations at Villa Park. Following a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Spurs last week and another three-goal haul allowed in Porto, the emphasis was on preventing goals from entering Andre Onana’s net rather than chasing them at the other end of the field.

Evans stated, “We put a lot on our defense. We saw our two strikers working back and helping; getting that clean sheet may require some sacrifice.

“For us, it’s about striking that balance. The confidence we gain from that clean sheet, hopefully, will give us belief as we move forward. Sometimes you have to hammer it out and get back to fundamentals, which we did.

“Villa is a good side. We did a good job defending crosses, getting blocks in, limiting them, and being creative with set pieces. I know the set-piece coach [Austin MacPhee] well from internationals; he was engaged with Northern Ireland for a long time, so I know he will have them well-drilled and set-up, and I believe he has shown that over the years with a variety of variations, so we had to be prepared.”

Travelling supporters were surprised to see Erik ten Hag’s team huddled before kickoff. Evans described it as a moment of spontaneity from skipper Bruno Fernandes.”I’m not sure who arranged it; it wasn’t planned, so I’m thinking it was Bruno. If he arranged it, it was a method to get a message across before we took the field.

“I’ve participated in huddles in the past, and they’re a chance to gather together before going out and playing. As gamers, you understand what you have to do. We have all been playing football for a long time. For us, it’s about not giving up and remaining together. My experience has been that you always demonstrate that on the pitch, and it was nice that we did so.”

United will visit Brentford following the international break, with Ten Hag’s future to be decided in the two weeks in between. Evans withdrew from international action in August, having earned 107 senior caps.