Erik ten Hag suggests that Fulham ought to issue an apology for sharing a TikTok video that seems to ridicule Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes.
The video shows the midfielder go down and clutch his leg before swiftly getting up again during United’s 2-1 defeat by the Cottagers on Saturday.
The clip is dubbed with jaunty music and captioned: “So glad he’s OK.”
“It is not right. Totally out of order and wrong. They should apologise for this,” said United manager Ten Hag.
The 15-second video was shared on Fulham’s official TikTok account. Ten Hag was informed about the video during a media conference on Thursday but had not yet seen it.
The clip depicts an incident where Fernandes makes contact with Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic and falls to the ground. Despite no free-kick being awarded, Fernandes quickly gets up and requests the ball as play continues.
When questioned about Fernandes potentially developing a reputation for simulation, Ten Hag noted that rival players seem to be targeting him.
Manchester United, who recently defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the FA Cup fifth round, are scheduled to face Manchester City in a Premier League derby on Sunday.
“I thought it was definitely a foul on Saturday. It was misjudged from media, social media, to blame him for it. Referees should protect him,” Dutchman Ten Hag said.
“He’s a very passionate football player. A very creative football player. He’s created the most in the Premier League.
“Opponents are targeting him, especially after Saturday. I feel referees should protect him. They had a chance from the start of the game, it was so obvious.”