Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag defends Bruno Fernandes and types social media criticism ‘pathetic’ | Soccer Information

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag accused Nottingham Forest of focusing on Bruno Fernandes in his facet’s FA Cup win on the Metropolis Floor and branded criticism of his captain as “pathetic”.

The Portugal midfielder overcame a “severe harm” to play his half in United’s 1-0 victory at Forest, organising Casemiro’s 89th-minute winner from a free-kick.

Forest seemed lucky to not be diminished to 10 males in stoppage time after Felipe grabbed Fernandes’ throat.

He was on the receiving finish of loads of sturdy challenges from Forest all through the 90 minutes whereas additionally being the butt of social media jokes after Saturday’s loss towards Fulham the place he suffered the issue.

Fulham’s official TikTok account poked enjoyable at him for showing to feign harm and it acquired Ten Hag’s again up.

Requested concerning the severity of Fernandes’ harm, he stated: “I do not wish to go into that since you noticed that Forest was focusing on him, so I do not inform what he has however it was a severe harm.

“There have been many fouls on him. Possibly I’m slightly bit too robust however when he has the ball they have been actually tight on him.

“Then I see that severe media criticise him and social media is pathetic and it could actually’t be.

“He has a severe harm however he continued to play on Saturday and in the present day he additionally fought to be a part of the sport and he has a really excessive ache threshold.

“Final 12 months he did additionally one thing related towards Spurs and within the semi-final and it exhibits his management as a result of that expresses his character and that is excellent when you find yourself a frontrunner.”

Ten Hag: Liverpool an excellent problem for us

The historical past of United and English soccer may have turned out very otherwise if Mark Robins had not scored for the membership towards Nottingham Forest again in January 1990. Sir Alex Ferguson was getting ready to being sacked when Robins struck the winner in an FA Cup third-round tie.

It prevented a fourth straight trophy-less season for Ferguson and the remaining, as they are saying, is historical past. This dramatic victory – witnessed by Sir Alex within the stands – offers a welcome shot within the arm for Ten Hag.

His injury-hit United not solely bounced again from the house loss to Fulham however prevented extra-time exertions earlier than this weekend’s derby conflict with Manchester Metropolis.

Ten Hag added: “It is massive – we wish to win each competitors – the group preventing, exhibiting dedication, ardour and need.

“They confirmed it in the present day, we have been disillusioned after Saturday however we confirmed resilience. We have now severe issues on the again 4 – blissful Rapha [Raphael Varane] and Bruno [Fernandes] fought to be a part of this recreation. It was so necessary, Bruno’s help.

“It was onerous to line-up, particularly the again 4 – it was a puzzle. We discovered the suitable formation and organisation – first half though we created possibilities, we allowed them some counters.

“After that we took management of the sport – we have been calm, composed – we acquired the switches, we took management, did not permit counter-attacks, more than happy with the second half – happy with the spirit and need confirmed.”

On dealing with Liverpool within the subsequent spherical, the United boss stated: “There are lots of good groups within the Premier League – Liverpool are prime so it is an excellent problem for us. We’re trying ahead to Sunday [against Manchester City].”

Nuno: My gamers felt there was an unlawful block

Casemiro’s aim survived a prolonged VAR test as Varane, who was in an offside place, blocked a few Forest gamers, however he was dominated to not be interfering in play.

Such has been Forest’s frustration at refereeing selections in latest weeks, they’ve appointed Mark Clattenburg to behave as a conduit to the PGMOL and he was noticed sat subsequent to Howard Webb.

This was one other determination that went towards them however boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who swatted away Ten Hag’s recommendations of focusing on Fernandes, didn’t wish to dwell on it.

Nuno stated: “I did not see clearly the photographs however talking with the gamers they are saying it’s a block and a potential offside. They checked it.

“We have now had so many points on this interval with VAR and referees that we attempt to neglect about it and transfer ahead.

“I believe it was efficiency, we performed good, a lot better than the earlier recreation, so enchancment from that.

“It’s irritating to lose it in the long run however I believe we performed good, soccer is merciless typically and in the present day we’re on that facet.”

Broad: Truthful outcome however ‘moan’ United will not beat Liverpool

Stuart Broad on Soccer Particular:

“In the end, I do not assume any Forest fan can have any complaints concerning the outcome. Manchester United had the additional high quality and doubtless nearly deserved it.

“Onana needed to make 5 saves they usually have been all straight at him. If Forest had discovered the nook with certainly one of them, they’d have gone forward. United gained it late on with a little bit of controversy over a possible offside however the block wasn’t interfering so it was the suitable name.

“It was poor defending to permit the free-kick to return in on the close to submit and for Casemiro to get to the ball first. I am gutted, however I am positive 99 per cent of the soccer world will probably be blissful we have Man Utd vs Liverpool within the quarter-finals.

“I believed United have been fairly common. They are a bizarre watch as I grew up watching the group underneath Sir Alex Ferguson. It is fairly tiring watching Fernandes. He has his arms up for nearly each determination and that feeds into the remainder of the group.

“There is a moany tradition on the market on the sector of play that they should try to shake as they have pure high quality there. It might be a shock for me in the event that they have been to beat Liverpool within the subsequent spherical. There’s one thing lacking with United and the gamers lack that very same depth.”

Rooney: Ten Hag will get time

Former Man Utd ahead Wayne Rooney informed the BBC: “It’s a large victory, and never the most effective of video games. Either side missed good possibilities however that is an enormous win for Manchester United.

“You need massive gamers to have massive moments and Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro mixed on the finish. Lots is made about Erik ten Hag’s place however he has been doing OK. We’re beginning to see extra consistency and I believe he’ll get time.”

On Marcus Rashford’s type: “You want the group to create possibilities for you if you’re enjoying as a quantity 9. Marcus Rashford must be extra ruthless and be affected person and keep in the course of the aim. You simply wish to see extra from him.

“Confidence is the principle issue, he hasn’t been scoring usually this season and he perhaps must simplify his recreation to get again within the groove.

“He is not probably the most vocal lad. His physique language does not look nice at occasions however he isn’t like that. The senior gamers have to get extra out of him and get him fired up.”

What’s subsequent?

Nottingham Forest host Premier League leaders Liverpool on the Metropolis Floor on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

Man Utd journey to the Etihad Stadium to face cross-town neighbours Man Metropolis on Sky Sports activities Premier League from 3pm, kick-off 3.30pm.