Bruno Fernandes makes ominous Manchester United admission after Liverpool defeat

Bruno Fernandes says he is “perfectly aware” that he is part of a Manchester United side that is incapable of winning the Premier League.

United, whose last title came more than 11 years ago, splashed out £180m on five signings this summer in hope of earning a top-four finish. Sunday’s dismal 3-0 defeat to Liverpool means the club have earned just three points from their opening three matches, as was the case in Erik ten Hag’s debut season.

The manager is facing increasing pressure, having so far failed to implement a distinct style of play two years into his tenure with last season’s midfield issues remerging against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

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Scott McTominay and Hannibal Mejbri left in the final week of the window, while Christian Eriksen stays on having been linked with a return to Ajax, with the Dutch transfer deadline passing on Monday.

Hopes are being placed on Manuel Ugarte, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial £42.3million on deadline day, to plug the midfield sieve. He signed too late to play against Liverpool and heard his captain make a damning assessment of his new team after full-time.

“Yes, I am perfectly aware that this Manchester United is not ready to win the Premier League,” Fernandes told DAZN Portugal.

“We are, indeed, fighting for the title with the concrete and real objective of trying to finish in the top four, in the places that give access to the Champions League.

“But there is still a lot to improve for the greater objective, and for my dream, which is to one day win this championship.”

United finished some 31 points