FINALLY: Erik ten Hag and Nuno in complete disagreement over Bruno Fernandes after Man Utd win

Bruno Fernandes during Manchester United’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest (Image: Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes endured a “serious injury” while playing for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest, and Erik ten Hag lashed out at the criticism directed towards the midfield player.

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, called Bruno Fernandes’ criticism “pathetic” and said that Nottingham Forest “targeted him” during their 1-0 FA Cup victory.

Following the Red Devils’ 2-1 loss to Fulham, a video appeared on social media that seemed to depict the Portugal midfielder pretending to be hurt. He tried his luck from long range as United looked for a winner. However, Fernandes was caught by Sasa Lukic and went down clutching his ankle as his shot was saved.

When Fernandes eventually stood up again, United supporters did not miss the incident and expressed their rage at the midfield player. In spite of this, Fernandes returned to action as the Red Devils’ captain against Forest, helping the victor, Casemiro, cross for home in the final moments.

Although Fernandes put on an excellent display, Ten Hag disclosed that his captain was carrying a “serious injury” the entire time. Nevertheless, given that Fernandes was seen hobbling out of the City Ground, the United manager remained mum about the nature or location of the issue.

“I don’t go into that (his injury),” an enraged Ten Hag stated in his post-match press conference. You could see that Forest was aiming for him. It was a serious injury, but I won’t say what it is.

“I’ve seen him criticized on social media. It’s pitiful. Despite suffering a serious injury, he fought to play in this game and continued to play on Saturday. His pain threshold is extremely high. He performed a similar act against the Spurs and, I believe, in the semifinals last year. It demonstrates his leadership.”

When asked if he thought Forest was intentionally trying to harm Fernandes, he went on, saying, “There were a lot of fouls on him. They are really tight on him when he is receiving the ball, as you can see.”

Erik ten Hag has defended Bruno Fernandes

Ten Hag’s suggestion that Forest target Fernandes was refuted by Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo. “I don’t think so,” he stated. What Erik saw was not what I saw.”

In terms of the actual match, United’s win guarantees their passage into the FA Cup quarterfinal, where they will take on Liverpool the following month. Ten Hag stated, “There are many good teams in the Premier League,” in reference to taking on Jurgen Klopp’s team in the upcoming round. For us, it presents a huge challenge. We are eagerly anticipating. We enjoy the difficulties.”