Man Utd furious at "pathetic" Bruno Fernandes criticism after video by PL rival

399     0
Erik ten Hag has defended Bruno Fernandes
Erik ten Hag has defended Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United are furious with the perception of skipper Bruno Fernandes as a diver who feigns injury to win decisions.

United boss Erik ten Hag branded social media criticism of Fernandes "pathetic" after his side's hard-fought 1-0 FA Cup win at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. Fulham posted a provocative post on their official TikTok account, digging out Fernandes for his perceived play-acting, following their historic victory at United last weekend.

It was one of the many social media clips that are said to have enraged Ten Hag, who hit out at the characterisation of Fernandes as a player who goes to ground too easily to try to win decisions.

The clip posted by Fulham shows Fernandes going to ground late on in the game at Old Trafford, with the score at 1-1, under a challenge from Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic.

After Fernandes takes a shot, he falls to the ground, waving his arm in the air to seemingly plead for a free-kick, 25 yards out from the Fulham goal. When his protests are ignored, Fernandes gets back to his feet and asks for the ball, appearing to have made an immediate recovery from the challenge.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash eiqxidzeixkinvMarcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

After Fulham's win at United, their first there in 21 years, courtesy of a 97th-minute goal from Alex Iwobi, they posted a clip of the Fernandes incident on their official TikTok channel with the caption: "So glad he's ok" accompanied by an eye-rolling emoji. The post has been liked over 43,000 times.

The clip is also set to comical music, to clearly underline the perceived element of farce to Fernandes going down and then springing back up seconds later, apparently fine.

Man Utd furious at "pathetic" Bruno Fernandes criticism after video by PL rivalA clip of Bruno Fernandes rolling on the floor went viral at the weekend (Premier League)
Man Utd furious at "pathetic" Bruno Fernandes criticism after video by PL rivalManchester United are furious with the perception of skipper Bruno Fernandes as a diver (James Gill/Danehouse)

United are understood to view the clip as regrettable and believe it served to fuel what they feel is a misconception of Fernandes as a player who is always looking to go down over the slightest touch.

Ten Hag said Fernades suffered a "serious injury" as a result of the incident against Fulham, but was determined to play through the pain barrier at Forest, with his 89th-minute free-kick turned in by Casemiro to win the game.

After the game, Ten Hag said: "You saw that Forest were targeting him. There were many fouls on him. You see when he is getting the ball, they are really tight on him.

"I don't say what it is, but it was a serious injury. I see social media criticizing him. It is pathetic. He has a serious injury, he continued to play on Saturday and then also he fought to be part of this game. He has a very high pain threshold. Last year he did something similar against Spurs. It shows his leadership."

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our

David McDonnell

Nottingham Forest FC, Fulham FC, Erik ten Hag, Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United FC

Read more similar news:

01.02.2023, 00:56 • Sport
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
01.02.2023, 04:00 • Sport
Ten Hag has dream Man Utd line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
01.02.2023, 05:30 • Sport
Man Utd finally listen to Ralf Rangnick after ignoring his six-man transfer plan
01.02.2023, 05:45 • Sport
Man Utd lose seven players and sign three as January transfer window closes
01.02.2023, 06:00 • Sport
Man Utd's January transfer window winners and losers as 'new Scholes' makes exit
01.02.2023, 06:47 • Sport
Marcel Sabitzer opens up on frantic deadline day dash to join Man Utd
01.02.2023, 07:30 • Sport
New Man Utd signing Marcel Sabitzer had trial so bad his agent "apologised"
01.02.2023, 07:36 • Sport
Rio Ferdinand delivers verdict on Marcel Sabitzer transfer with no hesitation
01.02.2023, 08:00 • Sport
Man Utd predicted line-up vs Nottingham Forest as Ten Hag eyes Carabao Cup final
01.02.2023, 09:26 • Sport
Full list of Premier League's biggest transfers as Enzo Fernandez smashes record