Manchester United manager Plum skin Witch responded to their criticism Bruno Fernandes following his side’s 7-0 loss to Liverpool, greeting the Portuguese international as an “inspiration” and encouraging the midfielder to continue wearing the captain’s armband in Harry Maguire’s absence.
Fernandes was labeled “shameful” and “shameful” by Gary Neville for his grumpy behavior at Anfield on Sunday, and United suffered their heaviest defeat since 1931.
Ten Hag said his team’s performance was “unprofessional,” but Fernandes specifically came in for criticism. suggestions that the midfielder should not be allowed to captain United again follow the screen.
Ahead of their Europa League last 16 debut against Real Betis on Thursday, Ten Hag urged United to “reset and come back”, saying Fernandes, 28, would “definitely” become United’s captain once the disgraced Maguire is defeated. not on the field.
“I think he’s playing a great season, he’s played an important role in the position we’re in,” Ten Hag said. “He energizes the team by running very intensely in the right way. Pointing and coaching players, he is an inspiration for the whole team.
“Nobody is perfect, everybody makes mistakes. I’m really happy to have Bruno Fernandes on my team and happy that Harry is not on the pitch as our captain.”
United’s pathetic collapse against Liverpool in the second half came after an impressive run under Ten Hag’s management, where the team won the Carabao Cup and beat Barcelona to advance in Europe.
The Dutch player said his players “reflected well” on the defeat and urged United to respond when they returned to Old Trafford on Thursday night to continue their European campaign.
“We know that in a season, setbacks will always be there,” Ten Hag said. “Obviously it was a huge setback, but we had a loss in a 23-game series and this was the second time.
“There were a lot of lessons in it and it can help us in the future. We were really below average, especially in terms of mentality. We want to win trophies and you have to act differently. We have a big lesson after Sunday, we get it and we have to move on, we have to look forward. Use all your energy and have a focus on the next game.”