Erik ten Hag and Marcus Rashford praise Bruno Fernandes

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Erik ten Hag has conducted his pre-match press conference before Manchester United host Real Betis tomorrow.

United are looking to bounce back from Sunday’s 7-0 embarrassment against Liverpool at Anfield with a win in their Europa League last 16 first leg tie.

He was joined by Marcus Rashford and both men were asked about Bruno Fernandes, who captained the side on Sunday.

They both showed their support for the Portuguese playmaker, after criticism which has been way over the top since the weekend’s game.

Erik ten Hag press conference before Manchester United v Real Betis

When asked if Bruno is still his vice-captain, Ten Hag said: “Yes, definitely [still captain], I think he’s playing a brilliant season, he’s played an important role in the position that we are.

“He’s giving energy to the team, running a lot with intensity, in the right way. No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. I’m really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and I’m happy with him as our captain when Harry [Maguire] is not on the pitch.”

Rashford was also asked about Fernandes, and replied: “I love playing with Bruno, as you can imagine. He’s the perfect player to play with. He’s been a good leader for us, even when he’s not captain, which is always a good sign.

“He’s [Bruno] helped other players become better leaders and the reality is that we can’t be an organised team in terms of just one leader being captain. He’s done a lot for us.”

The criticism was always going to come United’s way after that 7-0 defeat and rightly so, but Bruno has been one of the main targets, which is not fair.

He has broad enough shoulders to take it and will do his talking on the pitch, but Fernandes deserves to retain the total faith of his manager.

Rashford will understand the quality of the midfielder, who has been shunted around the team in recent games by Ten Hag.

Perhaps it would do the team good if Bruno was kept in the middle of the pitch for a run of games now, but Ten Hag knows best and has done a good job keeping opponents guessing in recent weeks.