Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised Bruno Fernandes after his battle to get fit and star against Tottenham.
Bruno Fernandes was an injury doubt for the game after leaving the game at Wembley days earlier with an ice pack on his ankle and being pictured in a protective boot.
The Portugal star did miss a big chance, only after an outrageous piece of skill, and still managed to provide his 15th assist of the season.
Fernandes really impressed his manager, who praised his commitment and dedication to the Manchester United cause.
Ten Hag praises Bruno Fernandes
Erik ten Hag has lauded Bruno Fernandes and described him as a ‘great captain’, suggesting that the number eight has a chance to get the armband permanently.
Ten Hag told his press conference: “He absolutely doesn’t want to miss this game and he did everything to get fit. I think he is the example and that you have to suffer, that you have to sacrifice when you want to play at the top level, when you want to achieve something.
“So once again, he showed there how [much of a] great captain he is, how he has taken responsibility, even if he is not 100% fit. But he did the job.
“He was important in this game as well, and hopefully others in the team can, not learn, but see him as an inspiration and do the same.”
Harry Maguire’s future at the club is up in the air, he has struggled to find a spot in Manchester United’s side under Erik ten Hag.
Fernandes has been a regular captain, and at Wembley, he was the one urging on and cajoling the players ahead of penalties, and clearly has the respect of his teammates – something Nemanja Vidic suggested Harry Maguire does not.
Ten Hag is right that Fernandes leads by example. If he gets the captaincy full time, he has earned it.
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