Erik ten Hag has praised one Manchester United star in particular and hopes he remains at Old Trafford for many years to come.
It’s fair to say this campaign has been a rather poor one for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag with multiple key players underperforming from the levels they showed last season or in Lisandro Martinez’s case, had injury problems throughout.
These injury problems are seemingly now subsiding with the Red Devils fielding a nearly full-strength squad for the 4-2 FA Cup victory over Newport County at Rodney Parade.
One man who has continued to perform this campaign despite the struggles of the team around him is United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Ten Hag on Fernandes
Speaking to the United website ahead of the Red Devils’ game against Wolves, with United winning the reverse fixture 1-0 in controversial circumstances, Ten Hag was full of praise for his captain.
Stripping Harry Maguire of the captaincy last summer was not an easy decision but handing it to the Portuguese midfielder, who has been a consistent performer in four years at Old Trafford, was an easy choice.
“First, he is our captain and I think he often gives the right example, by his attitude in training and in games,” Ten Hag said.
“He always brings the energy for the team and, yeah, he’s very important for us, by creating chances. So it’s a pleasure to work with him. I hope he will play many more years for Manchester United.”
The midfielder signed a new contract back in 2022 and has since continued to show why he has been the best signing the club have made since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Fernandes key for United future
Once the summer comes around and Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe get their hands on the club, the first port of call will no doubt be on the future of Ten Hag.
With 14 defeats this campaign, he is rightly under pressure. If a new manager is brought into the club, they must be big fans of Fernandes.
Attacking midfielders like Fernandes don’t come around very often and he has to be key for the Red Devils moving forward.
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