The manager of Manchester United, Erik ten Hag, has criticized Nottingham Forest for allegedly targeting Bruno Fernandes during their FA Cup fifth-round match and dismissed criticism of his captain as “pathetic.”
Fernandes delivered the free-kick that led to Brazilian midfielder Casemiro’s header, securing the 89th-minute winner for the visitors and paving the way for a home quarter-final clash with Liverpool.
Following Saturday’s home defeat by Fulham, the Portugal international faced substantial criticism on social media. This came after an incident where he remained on the ground following a challenge by Sasa Lukic, despite minimal contact, before quickly returning to action to contribute to an attacking move.
“You saw that Forest were targeting him,” said Ten Hag. “There were many fouls on him and you see when he is getting the ball, they are really tight on him.”
The 29-year-old appeared to be limping as he left The City Ground and Ten Hag feels the criticism of Fernandes’ perceived play-acting is unfair.
“I see social media criticising him,” added Ten Hag. “It is pathetic. He had a serious injury but he continued to play on Saturday and then also he fought to be part of this game.
“He has a very high pain threshold and last year, he did something similar against Spurs and I think in the semi-final (against Brighton). It shows his leadership.”
Ten Hag refused to say what the injury was, although against Fulham, Fernandes appeared to hurt his ankle.
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo denied his team had singled out Fernandes, who was awarded one foul, for special treatment.
“I don’t think so,” said Nuno, when asked if his team had targeted Fernandes. “I didn’t see what Erik saw.
“He (Fernandes) is a very good player. He needs to be controlled. We did that in a fair way.”