Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag defends Bruno Fernandes after display at Liverpool - 'Everyone makes mistakes'
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Published 08/03/2023 at 18:02 GMT
Bruno Fernandes attracted criticism for appearing to shove the referee's assistant, showing frustration, and seemingly questioning the substitution of Marcus Rashford during Manchester United's 7-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, for which he was captain. Despite calls for him to lose the armband, manager Erik ten Hag stepped up to defend the midfielder.
Ten Hag backs 'important' Fernandes to continue as Man Utd captain
Erik ten Hag has defended Bruno Fernandes following criticism of his controversial perfomance during Manchester United's 7-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend.
Fernandes appeared to push a referee’s assistant in the closing stages of the match at Anfield, and cut a frustrated figure for much of the second-half as his team shipped an astonishing six goals.
Fernandes was also criticised for appearing to question the decision to substitute Marcus Rashford in the 85th minute, and there were calls from some that the Portuguese should be stripped of his captain's armband as a result.
However, Ten Hag dismissed these issues and instead praised the Portuguese midfielder for his performances this campaign.
"He is playing a brilliant season," the United boss said.
"He has played a big role in us being where we are. Everyone makes mistakes and we learn. I have to learn and he will as well.
"He is intelligent. I'm really pleased he is our player and he is captain when Harry [Maguire] is not playing."
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Bruno Fernandes
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville had called Fernandes “embarrassing,” while ex-Blackburn forward Chris Sutton said that the club had players “far better qualified to be captain.”
The 7-0 humbling equalled United’s worst-ever result, and Ten Hag admitted his side lost their heads during an “unprofessional” display.
Rashford was another to defend his colleague, saying: “I love playing with Bruno. I don't have anything negative to say.
"Nobody is perfect. Sometimes you want to win so bad you end up doing things a little out of character. But I 100% support Bruno and am behind him.
"As a team we have to support him because he's a fantastic player. We wouldn't be in the position we are in if he wasn't playing games for us."
The defeat saw United remain in third place in the Premier League, and while they are almost certainly out of the title race, they won the EFL Cup last month, their first trophy under Ten Hag.
They also remain in contention for the FA Cup, as well as the Europa League. Their next game in the latter competition comes on Thursday night, when they host La Liga outfit Real Betis in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. That match is live on BT Sport.
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