Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is confident that captain Bruno Fernandes remains dedicated to the club.
Last week, Fernandes gave an interview to DAZN in which he seemed to question his future at Old Trafford. However, Ten Hag has stated that Fernandes’ comments were “taken out of context” and is convinced that Fernandes, who is under contract until 2026, will “definitely” fulfill his current agreement.
“I know he is Manchester United and I think he is very happy to be here,” Ten Hag said.
The United manager has consistently supported Fernandes, whose leadership has faced criticism on several occasions since he took over the captaincy from Harry Maguire at the start of the season.
In October, former United captain Roy Keane suggested that Fernandes should be stripped of the captaincy.
Despite the criticism, Ten Hag believes that Fernandes sets a strong example, including playing through injuries, such as a recent wrist injury that might see him play in some discomfort against Crystal Palace on Monday after he missed training last week.
“Taking responsibility is one of the biggest assets top footballers have nowadays to show and to deliver,” said the Dutchman.
“Bruno is a very good example for many other players. He is a real fighter. Last year when we played Brighton in the [FA Cup] semi-final, he played with an ankle that was so thick. It was unbelievable. He couldn’t run but he was still on the pitch.
“He is always available, always delivers and always gives energy to the team. Such assets are necessary to be successful.”
Sancho talks can wait
Victories for Newcastle and Chelsea have resulted in Manchester United dropping out of the European qualification spots in the Premier League as they head to Selhurst Park.
Meanwhile, as United struggles to secure a spot in next season’s Europa Conference League, one of their players will be aiming to help Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final on Tuesday.
Jadon Sancho’s standout performance in Dortmund’s first-leg win over Paris St-Germain highlighted a level of play he never reached during his two-and-a-half seasons at United.
The England winger was sidelined at Old Trafford in September after he declined to apologize for a controversial social media post in which he suggested he was being made a “scapegoat” by his manager.
Ten Hag has stated that United has kept in touch with Sancho and monitored his performances, but he prefers not to discuss the player’s future until the season concludes.
“I wouldn’t say all the games but we have seen games in Dortmund where Jadon was performing,” he said. “We [United] also had a visit with him and a talk with him.
“There was a conflict but he is not here now – so stay away from this issue now because it is not important. He has the return of the semi-final and we have four important games in the league and the FA Cup final.
“That is the focus point at this moment. We will see what is going to happen in the summer.”