Erik ten Hag has lauded Bruno Fernandes for his commitment to the club.
The midfielder picked up a slight injury during last weekend’s FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion, which resulted in the Red Devils booking their place in the final.
Fernandes had played 101 minutes of the tie before being substituted due to an ankle problem. Days later, his wife shared a picture of him resting at home with a protective boot and crutches visible, sparking significant concern among supporters.
However, fans were then surprised to see Fernandes’ name listed in the starting eleven to face Tottenham Hotspur last night. His inclusion extended an unbelievable record of being injury-free for 11 years. In that time, he has only ever missed two matches through illness.
It bodes well that Fernandes is clearly immune to injuries, as he is an irreplaceable figure at the heart of United’s midfield and a clear fan-favourite amongst the Old Trafford faithful for all he’s done for the club.
Ten Hag on Fernandes
Ten Hag heaped praise on his vice-captain during a post-match press conference (quotes via the Man Utd website).
Q: “Hi Erik, just one on Bruno [Fernandes]. He started tonight after some said maybe he wouldn’t be fit enough. How is he doing? How was that?”
“He was tough and big compliment to Bruno. He absolutely doesn’t want to miss this game and he did everything to get fit. I think he is the example and that you have to suffer, that you have to sacrifice when you want to play at the top level, when you want to achieve something.
“So once again, he showed there how [much of a] great captain he is, how he has taken responsibility, even if he is not 100% fit. But he did the job. He was important in this game as well, and hopefully others in the team can, not learn, but see him as an inspiration and do the same.”
