Bruno Fernandes has called on Manchester United players to embrace boldness and confidence as they endure their toughest home start to a season in 131 years.

Despite Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes equalizing Yankuba Minteh’s opener with a penalty, Ruben Amorim’s team ultimately faltered, suffering a 3-1 defeat in a match largely dominated by referee Peter Bankes.

When questioned whether this troubling decline represents a new norm for United—whose last similarly poor performance dates back to the Newton Heath era—Fernandes firmly disagreed.

“It can’t be,” he told Sky Sports. “I understand the perception from the outside, but we cannot accept this as acceptable.

“I’m not here to lose games or to remain in this position. No one in the dressing room is, and if anyone thinks this is fine, they don’t belong here.”

Bruno Fernandes has called on his team-mates to be braver and show some more belief

Although Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes equalized Yankuba Minteh’s opener with a penalty, Ruben Amorim’s side ultimately fell short, losing 3-1 in a match significantly influenced by referee Peter Bankes.

When asked if this concerning decline marks a new norm for United—whose last similarly dismal performance dates back to the Newton Heath era—Fernandes strongly disagreed.

“It can’t be,” he told Sky Sports. “I understand the outside perception, but we cannot accept this as normal.

“I’m not here to lose games or stay in this position. No one in the dressing room is, and if anyone thinks this is acceptable, they don’t belong here.”

While a late hat-trick from Amad Diallo had salvaged a lackluster performance against Southampton, there was no hero this time.

For Brighton defender Lewis Dunk, the match was ‘comfortable’ for the visiting Seagulls, who continue to have little trouble during their annual trip.

Brighton’s victory means United have lost six of their last seven Premier League encounters with the Seagulls (W1), including all three meetings at Old Trafford during that stretch.

“It doesn’t matter to me; it’s just another loss for us. The number of times they’ve won against us doesn’t change anything,” Fernandes stated.

“I remember when they hadn’t won here at all. What matters is that we didn’t get the three points today. Congratulations to them; they played well and deserved the win.”

Any suggestion that Amorim might alter his approach to improve results was swiftly dismissed by the coach after the defeat.

“I’m not going to change the way I see the game. I’m very clear on that,” Amorim asserted.

Amorim is resolute in maintaining his style despite the Red Devils’ disappointing results.

“The players will have to endure, and I’m sorry, the fans will have to endure as well.

“I have my way of doing things, and I believe it will lead to results. However, we must navigate through these challenging moments. It’s clear to everyone what our direction will be.”