Erik ten Hag makes Bruno Fernandes admission amid Man Utd's quadruple challenge

18 February 2023 , 22:30

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Erik ten Hag makes Bruno Fernandes admission amid Man Utd's quadruple challenge

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has admitted that Bruno Fernandes may have to carry the burden of the quadruple-chasing Red Devils’ gruelling schedule.

Fernandes has become Ten Hag’s go-to guy as the races for the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup start to heat up. The United manager will be keeping a close eye on his players after losing Antony, Christian Eriksen, Antony Martial, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek with injuries.

But Ten Hag said: “Bruno can cope with load standards that are really high and can take a lot of games. He is a very fit player and so important for this team.

“First as captain, he’s an example on the pitch with the energy he puts in, and for our tactical approach in both the transition moments. Bruno is so important for this team. He’s a great example for everyone in the squad.

“I will think of rotating from a tactical approach, but sometimes from a load approach as well. We will have a look at it, but once again, the next game is the most important, so we will play what we see as the best team.”

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United face Leicester at Old Trafford as genuine title contenders following Manchester City’s midweek victory over Arsenal. Next Sunday, they meet Newcastle in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.

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Erik ten Hag wants some help for Bruno Fernandes (AFP via Getty Images)

But Ten Hag has challenged his players to keep proving themselves. He added: “The doubts are always there but the players have to take responsibility that they are ready no matter what the team.

“We have to play the way we want to, but respect them (Leicester) because they are a good opponent. I cannot look at what I thought the expectations would be so far.

“What we always want is to be a better version of ourselves every day, every game and that’s what we are working for. We don’t know or think of where we will finish. I only think about the next game and about improving our way of playing. We don’t look so far ahead. We just want to be better versions of ourselves and then see where it takes us at the end of April.”

Simon Mullock