Mike Phelan says the mentality of the Manchester United changing room has changed, judging by Bruno Fernandes’ comments following the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Saturday night.
Casemiro’s late equaliser earned a point for the Reds on the road, but much of the talk was still about the dropped Cristiano Ronaldo post-match. The 37-year-old was dropped for the trip to Stamford Bridge after his early exit against Tottenham in midweek.
Fernandes, who has been captaining the side during Harry Maguire’s stint out of the side, was asked post-match about how Ronaldo’s behaviour had affected the squad. He said: "We don't talk about that [Ronaldo].
READ MORE: Fernandes reveals what dressing room thinks about Ronaldo
“We keep it quiet inside, we have to deal with that inside and no one else has to know what we think, what we want or what will happen. We don't know, so the most important thing for everyone, including Cristiano, is that the team wins."
Phelan left United over the summer after returning to Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before staying on under Ralf Rangnick. He witnessed first-hand the toxicity of the dressing room last season.
Speaking on Stadium Astro, Phelan inferred players were more likely to speak out about last season’s troubles during interviews. He believes Fernandes’ comments regarding Ronaldo’s situation show that the atmosphere within the club must have changed under Erik ten Hag.
“I think it’s a grown-up answer for a change,” he said. “A mature answer from a football player about a fellow player within the football club.
“Six months ago that probably would have been dripping out of the football club whereas right now he’s shown a connection that they're all involved, all part of something. It stays within and it is dealt within. I think that’s the right way to go.”
He added: “It’s been easy to find things out, it’s been easy for players to comment. I think that’s changed, that one answer there has changed the mentality within the changing room.
“It’s all together, it’s all in. There’s nothing in there now that they’re willing to discuss that is private.”
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