The Dutch coach was dismissed by the Red Devils last week after a poor start to the season and the United captain revealed that he apologised to his former manager for any role he may have had in the club's decision to relieve him of his duties.

Fernandes told Sky Sports after the club's 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday (03.11.24): "We know that Erik has gone, 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. 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.

"It is easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players. I spoke to the manager 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."

Fernandes' comments were given short shrift by former United captain Roy Keane who suggested that they were "too little, too late".

The Sky Sports pundit said: "We mentioned loyalty last week. If you want loyalty, get yourself a dog.

"He has not shown enough leadership when the going has got tough.

"I wouldn't want to be in the trenches with these players. A lot of them don't care that much. They just focus on the next manager."