Erik ten Hag slams 'pathetic' criticism of Bruno Fernandes after Nottingham Forest win
- Fernandes grabbed the assist for Casemiro's late winner on Wednesday evening
- Portugal international had been doubtful for the game with an injury concern
- Ten Hag accused Forest of 'targeting' the United captain
By Tom Gott
Erik ten Hag lashed out at the "pathetic" criticism of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes after he battled through injury to set up his side's winner against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
Fernandes had been a doubt for the game and was at risk of missing his first United match through injury, but the 29-year-old managed the full 90 minutes against Forest and even provided the assist for Casemiro in the dying embers to steer his side into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
After the game, Ten Hag hit back at the criticism of his captain. Fernandes' form has been scrutinised by many United fans, while Fulham, who beat the Red Devils at the weekend, also posted a video on TikTok mocking the 29-year-old.
"I don't say what it is, but it was a serious injury," Ten Hag said. "I see social media criticise him. It is pathetic.
"He has a serious injury, he continued to play on Saturday and then also he fought to be part of this game. He has a very high pain threshold. Last year, he did something similar against Spurs and I think in the semi-final. It shows his leadership.
"You saw that Forest were targeting him. There were many fouls on him. You see when he is getting the ball, they are really tight on him."
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Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo rejected Ten Hag's claims that his side were looking to rough-up Fernandes.
"No, there is nothing in that," Nuno said. "I don't think so.
"He is a good player. He needs to be controlled. But that has to be in a fair way. Not by causing any problems or trying to injure anyone. I did not see what Erik saw."
United's reward for the victory is a huge quarter-final clash with Liverpool, who comfortably saw off Southampton 3-0 on Wednesday evening.
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