Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has come to the defense of his captain, Bruno Fernandes, after the midfielder faced criticism for his play-acting during their recent FA Cup fifth-round tie against Nottingham Forest. Ten Hag accused Forest of targeting Fernandes and called the critics “pathetic.”
During the match, Fernandes provided the assist for Brazilian midfielder Casemiro’s winning goal in the 89th minute. However, it was his actions in a previous match against Fulham that sparked controversy. After a challenge by Sasa Lukic, Fernandes stayed down on the ground despite minimal contact and then quickly got up to participate in an attack.
Ten Hag pointed out that Forest had made several fouls on Fernandes throughout the game and that they were particularly tight on him whenever he had the ball. The Manchester United manager believed this was evidence of Fernandes being targeted by the opposition.
Addressing the criticism aimed at his captain on social media, Ten Hag labeled it as “pathetic” and unfair. He highlighted Fernandes’ commitment to the team, stating that despite a serious injury, he continued to play against Fulham and fought to be part of the FA Cup tie. Ten Hag also praised Fernandes’ leadership qualities, citing similar instances in the past where he played through pain.
Although Ten Hag did not disclose the specific nature of Fernandes’ injury, it appeared to involve his ankle during the Fulham game. Despite this, Fernandes was seen limping as he left The City Ground after the match against Nottingham Forest.
In response to Ten Hag’s accusations, Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo denied any deliberate targeting of Fernandes by his team. He stated that he did not see what Ten Hag saw and insisted that Fernandes is a talented player who needs to be controlled in a fair manner.
Overall, Ten Hag’s defense of Bruno Fernandes highlights the support and admiration the Manchester United manager has for his captain. He believes that Fernandes’ critics are unjust in their accusations of play-acting, emphasizing the midfielder’s resilience and dedication to the team. As Manchester United progresses in the FA Cup, it remains to be seen how Fernandes will continue to perform under the scrutiny of his opponents and critics.