Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes admits fans booing former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left him angry,

A crushing defeat at Watford in November 2021 proved to be the final nail in the coffin for the Norwegian manager after a dismal start to the season. Solskjaer, who was sacked one day later, went over to thank the fans who had made the trip south to Hertfordshire. As Watford fans taunted him with chants of "Ole's at the wheel", the beleaguered boss held up his hands in apology as he approached the away end.

has opened up on why he sought to defend Solskjaer that day, insisting United's players were more deserving of criticism than their manager.

"After Watford, it was like some people were booing him," Fernandes told The Athletic of Solskjaer. "I did not like it because I felt, 'Why not do that to us (players)?'. We were the ones who went on the pitch and lost the game. At that moment, I felt someone needed to step up or protect him. I didn't want to take the blame for Ole, but for everyone to take responsibility together."

Solskjaer was replaced on an interim basis by Ralf Rangnick, who led United to a sixth-place finish before Erik ten Hag took over permanently this summer. Fernandes was pleased to hear fans continue to sing Solskjaer's name after his dismissal, highlighting the fact "he did great things" at earlier stages of his tenure.

The 28-year-old also revealed Solskjaer continues to message him from time to time, adding: "He's someone who I want to remain in touch with. I said that to him before he left the club."