"I really just want to tell him to shut up" - Emmanuel Petit slams Manchester United star, says he 'annoys him a lot'

France icon Emmanuel Petit has slammed Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, following the Red Devils' decision to sack Erik ten Hag. This came after he led United to a loss against West Ham at the London Stadium on October 27, with the hosts winning their Premier League clash 2-1.

Erik ten Hag was sacked by the club the following day, just three months after they handed him a contract extension. Petit spoke about the Dutch manager's exit, placing some of the blame on Fernandes.

In an interview with JeffBet, he warned that a new manager would not turn the club's fortunes around (via GOAL);

"The only consistent thing at Manchester United now is their average performance, which has been happening for years now. Even with a change of manager, nothing will change.

"The body language of the players has been awful. Bruno Fernandes annoys me a lot, I really just want to tell him to shut up. He was terrible on West Ham and he was a terrible captain, he's not captain material."

Petit continued:

"There needs to be a reaction from these players. If I'm a manager linked to Manchester United, a big club with lots of money, I'd look at that club and ask what is the project? What are the ambitions? I don't see anything worth joining them for."

After an open game in the first half with no goals for either side, Crysencio Summerville scored for West Ham in the 74th minute. The Hammers failed to hold onto their lead, with Casemiro equalizing for Manchester United in the 81st minute. Jarrod Bowen scored a late penalty to secure the winner for West Ham (90 +2').

On the day, Fernandes had a sub-par performance in front of goal, as he took five shots at goal, missing a big chance. However, he did provide three chances for his teammates with 14 passes into the final third.

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What Emmanuel Petit said about Erik ten Hag's dismissal from Manchester United

Emmanuel Petit also discussed Erik ten Hag's dismissal by Manchester United. According to the Frenchman, the decision was inevitable, as the Dutch manager finished in eighth place last season, while they are currently floundering in 14th place this term.

Petit revealed that he had expected the manager's dismissal, telling Jeffbet (via GOAL):

"It was about time Erik ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United. I'm sorry to say that and I pity him because lots of the players at the club are far from their best..."

"Ten Hag is responsible for bringing in average Dutch players from the Eredivisie. Ten Hag showed no passion either, he always seemed bored in press conferences."

Ten Hag notably won the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. However, poor performances in the league seem to have made his position untenable. United have announced that club icon Ruud van Nistelrooy will take over the reins as the interim manager, as they begin their search for a permanent figure in the dugout.