Bruno Fernandes: Erik ten Hag hits out at online criticism of Manchester United captain - 'It is pathetic'

Erik ten Hag described criticism of Bruno Fernandes as “pathetic” and says Nottingham Forest's players "were targeting" the Manchester United captain during their Emirates FA Cup fifth-round tie.

Fernandes played a key role in United’s hard-fought 1-0 victory, his free-kick setting up Casemiro’s winner in the 89th minute.

It set up a blockbuster quarter-final at home to Liverpool but it wasn’t all positive for Ten Hag, after Fernandes finished the game limping at the City Ground.

“I don’t want to go into that because you saw that Forest were targeting him, so I don’t tell what he has but it was a serious injury,” Ten Hag said in his post-match press conference. “There were many fouls on him.

“Maybe I am a little bit too tough but when he has the ball, they are really tight on him.”

Fernandes came under fire for his performance during a 2-1 home loss to Fulham on Saturday, with a clip circulating on social media which appeared to show him making the most of a challenge before quickly getting back to his feet and joining in with the game.

His leadership qualities have also come into question this season, with United languishing down in sixth in the Premier League, eight points from the UEFA Champions League spots.

“Then I see social media criticising him,” Ten Hag added. “It is pathetic. He has a serious injury but he continued to play on Saturday and then also he fought to be part of this game.

“He has a very high pain threshold and last year, he did something similar against Spurs and in the semi-final [against Brighton]. It shows his leadership because that expresses his character and that is very good when you are a leader.”

In response, Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo refuted Ten Hag’s claims that his players singled Fernandes out during the game after his side were knocked out.

“I don't think so,” said Nuno. “I didn't see what Erik saw.

“He [Fernandes] is a very good player. He needs to be controlled. We did that in a fair way.”

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