Erik ten Hag vehemently criticized the “pathetic” backlash aimed at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder, battling through injury concerns, played a crucial role in setting up his side’s winning goal against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
Despite facing doubts about his fitness and the risk of missing his first United match due to injury, the 29-year-old played the entire 90 minutes against Forest. Notably, Fernandes provided the assist for Casemiro in the dying moments, securing United’s place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Post-match, Ten Hag addressed the criticism directed at his captain, particularly scrutinizing Fernandes’ form by some United fans and a TikTok video from Fulham mocking the midfielder after their recent victory over the Red Devils.
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Ten Hag defended Fernandes, stating, “I don’t say what it is, but it was a serious injury. I see social media criticize him. It is pathetic. He has a serious injury, continued to play on Saturday, and then fought to be part of this game. He has a very high pain threshold. Last year, he did something similar against Spurs and I think in the semi-final. It shows his leadership.”
The manager highlighted that Forest targeted Fernandes during the game, with numerous fouls committed against him. Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo rejected Ten Hag’s claims, stating there was no intention to rough up Fernandes and emphasized the need for fair play.
United’s victory sets up a significant quarter-final clash with Liverpool, who comfortably advanced by defeating Southampton 3-0 on the same evening.