Even though Manchester United finished in the top four and took home a trophy, Bruno Fernandes claims they cannot consider this season a success.
After defeating Chelsea 4-1 on Thursday at Old Trafford, United secured a spot in the Champions League for the upcoming season.
Erik ten Hag also helped United defeat Newcastle 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final, ending the club's six-year trophy drought in his first season. By winning the FA Cup final the following week, United may add a second trophy to their collection and thwart local rival Manchester City's attempt to repeat their 1999 Triple Crown.
Despite this, United's captain Fernandes claimed that this season cannot be deemed successful because of the significantly increased demands at the club.
When asked if the campaign was successful, Fernandes responded, "No. Although the season has been good, it hasn't been successful because this club defines success differently than us players must do.
“As players we're not happy just to get into the top four," he said at full time at Old Trafford.
"We want more, we aim for more, because we believe in this team that there are enough qualities to go forward."
“We did win a trophy. We did get into the top four. Now we have another final, but whatever happens in that final will not change anything about the season."
"One game can't define a season that has been long, with so many games. We've been doing really well and had our moments where we could have done better. But still we won the Carabao Cup, we're in the final of FA Cup, in Europa League it could have been better, but it is what it is.”
“It's not a relief,” said Fernandes, when asked about how the team feels about returning to the Champions League.
“Everyone was aware it was really important for us to get the top four."
“At the same time, I think everyone was convinced we'd do it. We should have done it a little bit earlier, but obviously we had two away games where we didn't get any points and it complicated it."
“But we did it and that's the most important thing. After we couldn't fight anymore for the title, we had to fight for our top four and we did it."
“We're really happy to be in the Champions League next season, but it's kind of an obligation for this club to be in these positions."
“We want to be there, we have to enjoy it and do the best we can because I think we have the qualities to play and to get a good position.”
United was at the bottom of the standings after losing their first two league games under Ten Hag, but Fernandes claimed he never had any doubts that they would turn things around.
“I've said this many times that the Liverpool game was the one that changed everything,” said Fernandes. "Because of the result, obviously [United won 2-1], but already before that, after the game against Brentford away, everyone understood we had to do better.
"The belief has always been there, because since the beginning we believed in the ideas of the manager and in the players we have.”
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