Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed he apologised to Erik Ten Hag after the Dutchman was sacked by the club. The Portuguese said the players are equally responsible for the poor performance of the team as they haven’t been scoring goals.

Fernandes scored from the spot kick in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Old Trafford in the 70th minute on Sunday. However, Moises Caicedo cancelled it as he equalised just after four minutes.

“Whenever you see a manager go you have to take some of the blame on yourself, it is because the team is not doing so well,” Fernandes told Sky.

“It is easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players. I spoke to the manager [Ten Hag] and apologised to him, I was disappointed he has gone and I tried to help him. I wasn’t scoring goals, we are not scoring goals and I feel responsible.

“It is not good for anyone at the club when the manager goes. The team is not the best, the results are not the best and he is the one who pays for it.”

After Ten Hag’s departure, United have beaten Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and shared a point with the Blues. Ruud Van Nisteelroy has been handed over the interim charge.

The former Dutch forward said it has been a difficult week and players must look at themselves in the mirror after their poor start to the season.

“It has been very difficult from last Monday to today, six days, a rollercoaster of emotions,” Van Nistelrooy said. “It’s very sad seeing Erik leave.

“The next day you have to start to focus on getting the lads ready for Leicester because 75,000 people show up here at Old Trafford and the players feel they have an obligation to do better.

“They look in the mirror and their reactions then and today show they think about things.”

The Red Devils will next take on PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday.