Erik ten Hag makes Bruno Fernandes ‘example’ claim following Fulham victory

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, gestures during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on November 04, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag called Bruno Fernandes an ‘example’ to the team following the 1-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

Fernandes scored an injury time winner as the Red Devils claimed a massive three points on the road and Ten Hag has jumped to defend his captain following recent criticism.

There has been many within the media questioning the decision to place the armband on Fernandes this season and it’s something that the United manager simply cannot get his head around.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on November 04, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Speaking to TNT Sports following the 1-0 win at Craven Cottage, Ten Hag heaped praise on his skipper.

“I don’t understand it,” explained the Dutchman when asked about recent criticism of the Portguese midfielder.

“Everyone makes mistakes and nobody is perfect but he’s doing a lot of things very good.

“He is showing every time as a captain that he is an example. His work-rate and his pressing today and in the end he scored a goal.

“He is massively important for us.”

Fernandes’ goal versus the Cottagers was his third of the season and arguably the most important to date.

His last minute strike means United move up to seventh in the Premier League on 18 points and will give the side huge confidence ahead of another incredibly important midweek match in the Champions League against Copenhagen.