Manchester United's players can't have been happy with how Sunday's derby against City went - and it seems as though Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez were particularly peeved.
United went in at the break 4-0 down to their cross-city rivals, after being blown away by the brilliance of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Kevin de Bruyne. They looked shellshocked as Pep Guardiola's team ran rings around them in the first half, in what could only be described as a wake up call after recent optimism on the red side of Manchester.
Reports today suggest that Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez absolutely laid into their teammates at half-time, with a rant so aggressive it could be heard from the Manchester City changing room.
Manchester derby: Fernandes and Martinez's rage could be heard from City dressing room
It was a tough afternoon for Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the Manchester United defence. The Argentinean has been a standout performer for United this season, but was outclassed by the dazzling quality of City's attack. To add to that, his trusted centre back partner Raphael Varane was taken off early with a suspected ankle injury - breaking up the defensive consistency the team has so far enjoyed.
Another goal for Erling Haaland! 🔥😳 pic.twitter.com/ThC0720bsD
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 2, 2022
Martinez and teammate Bruno Fernandes reportedly went in on the first half performance from United on Sunday, with the Sun reporting that their rant could be heard by Pep Guardiola's backroom staff.
Fernandes and Martinez are said to have questioned the team's belief, as they ripped into a dire first half performance.
United did improve in the second half, scoring three through Antony and Anthony Martial, but they would still come out on the losing end of a shocking 6-3 scoreline.
Erik Ten Hag firmly agreed with the sentiment of Fernandes and Martinez's rant in his post-match interview for Sky Sports.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says his side 'lacked belief' during their 6-3 defeat to Man City 🔴⤵️ pic.twitter.com/hzflToeBIv
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 2, 2022
Ten Hag said:
Lack of belief. I'm surprised why we didn't bring it on the pitch. I have seen - obviously, four weeks ago - I have seen a different team, a different spirit, a different vibe, with a lot of convincement. Today, we didn't have convincement, from the first minute, we were not front foot and we were not brave in possession.
Reports earlier this week suggested Ten Hag was even encouraging his players to have similar conversations on the training ground in the aftermath of the defeat.
🗞 Erik ten Hag is due to hold a meeting at Carrington training base on Monday and wants the #mufc squad and his coaching staff to feel free to criticise each other during the analysis of their 6-3 defeat to Manchester City. [@TelegraphDucker]
— UtdDistrict 🔰 (@UtdDistrict) October 3, 2022
United's next game is a Europa League assignment against Neil Lennon's Omonia Nicosia on Thursday, before a Sunday night Premier League trip to Everton.
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