Bruno Fernandes shuts down question after Man Utd lose Community Shield as he says 'that was not the issue'

Bruno Fernandes was keen to not make any excuses for Manchester United's Community Shield defeat to Manchester City at Wembley.

United drew 1-1 with City in the traditional season curtain-raiser, but lost 7-6 on penalties.

Bernardo Silva saw his spot kick for City saved by Andre Onana, but Ederson's save from Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans' miss meant Pep Guardiola's side lifted the trophy.

It was a tough way for the match to end for United, who took the lead on 82 minutes only to see Bernardo equalise just seven minutes earlier.

But there were still positives to be had for Erik ten Hag's side, who will now look to build on last season's seventh-placed finish in the Premier League.

After the match, Fernandes was asked about several United players coming back from holiday and whether that had any impact on the performance.

But the Portugal international was quick to emphasise that was an issue for both sides - and wasn't the reason why United lost.

He told MUTV: "I think it was for both sides. They also had some players who just came back. That was not the issue.

"It wasn't about not being fit enough - everyone has been working."

The two teams were affected by unavailability, with the City quartet of Rodri, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and John Stones not yet back in training after competing in the Euro 2024 final last month.

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Conversely, both Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez - the latter of whom featured in the Copa America final for Argentina - started the game, although Luke Shaw was not in the squad.

Rasmus Hojlund, Victor Lindelof and new signing Leny Yoro were also out through injury.

United are back in action on Friday when they open their Premier League campaign against Fulham at Old Trafford.