A lot has been said about Manchester United players after the 7-0 thrashing by long-time rivals Liverpool over the weekend.
But it is the club United captain Bruno Fernandes who has received the most stick, with fans and pundits alike not pleased with his display during the match. The Portuguese star has been accused of lacking leadership.
While appearing in a pre-match press conference ahead of Man United’s Europa League Round of 16 first-leg match against Real Betis on Thursday, United’s manager Erik Ten Hag defended his captain and reassured everyone that Fernandes will carry on with his captain duties for as long as first choice captain Harry Maguire doesn’t play.
“Yes, definitely,” Ten Hag replied when a journalist asked him if Fernandes’ standards against Liverpool are enough for him to keep the captain’s armband.
“I think he is playing a brilliant season and has played an important role in why we are in the position where we are because he is giving energy to the team and not just running a lot with high intensity, but also in the right way, in the right direction.” He added.
Ten Hag went on to heap more praise on Fernandes, pointing out his attitude and inspiration for his Manchester United teammates.
“No one is perfect, everyone has his mistakes. Everyone has to learn, I have to learn, and he will learn as well because he is intelligent. I am really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and I am happy that Bruno Fernandes if Harry [Maguire] is not on the pitch, is our captain”.
Manchester United hope to dust themselves off the Liverpool humiliation and get a good result tomorrow against Real Betis.
