Erik Ten Hag criticizes Nottingham Forest, accusing them of ‘targeting’ Bruno Fernandes in the Manchester United win.
Erik ten Hag accused Nottingham Forest of intentionally targeting Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United’s FA Cup fifth-round win on Wednesday, criticizing what he deemed “pathetic” criticism of the midfielder.
In Manchester United’s FA Cup fifth-round win against Nottingham Forest, manager Erik ten Hag accused the opposition of deliberately targeting Bruno Fernandes, criticizing what he labeled as “pathetic” criticism directed at the midfielder.
Despite Fernandes carrying a “serious injury” from the previous weekend’s loss against Fulham, he played a pivotal role in United’s 1-0 victory at the City Ground, assisting Casemiro’s late goal with a crucial free-kick.
Throughout the match, Fernandes faced robust challenges from Forest players, adding to the scrutiny he received after being the subject of social media jokes following his injury against Fulham, notably from Fulham’s official TikTok account.
Despite the challenges and criticism, Fernandes persevered and contributed significantly to United’s progression to the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they will face bitter rivals Liverpool.
The Portuguese star’s resilience in the face of adversity highlights his importance to the team and his determination to overcome obstacles on the field.
As United continues their campaign across various competitions, Fernandes’ continued impact will be crucial in their pursuit of silverware.
Erik Ten Hag defends Bruno fernandes
Erik ten Hag acknowledged that Bruno Fernandes has frequently played through pain, especially after enduring the rough tackling he faced from Nottingham Forest, which left him limping at full-time.
While not disclosing the specific nature of Fernandes’ injury, speaking after the game via SportsNdtv, Ten Hag emphasized the severity, describing it as a “serious injury” resulting from Forest’s targeted approach
Ten Hag expressed his concern over the numerous fouls committed against Fernandes during the match, suggesting that Forest deliberately tightened their defensive approach whenever Fernandes had possession.
The manager’s comments underscore the physical challenges faced by Fernandes on the pitch and raise questions about the fairness of the tactics employed by the opposing team.
Despite a scrappy performance, Manchester United kept their last chance of winning silverware this season alive.
The team is set to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, with hopes of making a significant impact in their pursuit of success.
