Manchester United Manager Erik Ten Hag Criticizes The “Pathetic” Criticism Aimed At Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United Manager Erik Ten Hag Criticizes The “Pathetic” Criticism Aimed At Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has criticized those who accuse Bruno Fernandes of frequently feigning injury. After Saturday’s Premier League match against Fulham, a video circulated on social media showing Fernandes going down on the edge of the penalty area, clutching his leg after minimal contact from a challenge by Sasa Lukic.

Despite not receiving a free kick and United continuing their attack, Fernandes showed no signs of injury as he quickly got back on his feet to join the play in the team’s pursuit of a late equalizer.

In Wednesday night’s FA Cup fifth-round match against Nottingham Forest, the issue resurfaced as Fernandes won several fouls, leading Ten Hag to believe that the Portugal international was being deliberately targeted.

Nevertheless, United emerged victorious at the City Ground, with Fernandes delivering the free kick that resulted in Casemiro redirecting the ball into the net from close range during added-on time.

However, Ten Hag found himself discussing Fernandes, who had been considered a fitness concern before the match, during his post-match remarks.

According to BBC Sport, he stated: “You could see that Forest were focusing on him. There were numerous fouls on him, and whenever he had the ball, they applied tight pressure.”

The Dutch coach went on to say: “I’ve noticed criticism of him on social media. It’s disappointing. Despite a significant injury concern, he played through it on Saturday and fought to be available for this match as well.

“He demonstrates a remarkable pain tolerance, as he did something similar last year against Spurs and, I believe, in the semi-final against Brighton. It showcases his leadership qualities.”

Fernandes has started a total of 34 matches across all competitions this season, featuring in the United starting lineup for 25 out of their 26 Premier League matches.

Following his crucial assist for the winning goal in the East Midlands, United have secured a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Liverpool on either March 16 or 17.

Assuming he is deemed fit, despite being seen limping towards the end of the match against Forest, Fernandes is expected to feature in the Manchester derby against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

United enter that fixture trailing fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur by three points in the Premier League table, while they are eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.