Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has pulled his weight behind Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes to continue as captain of the team in the absence of English defender Harry Maguire.
While talking during his press conference on Wednesday ahead of United’s Europa League last-16 first-leg clash against Real Betis, the former Ajax manager reaffirmed his trust in the former Sporting Lisbon midfielder amid many concerns with his behaviour.
???? The boss has his say on @B_Fernandes8‘s role in the United team…#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 8, 2023
Fernandes was alleged to have requested a substitution during the Red Devils’ 7-0 humiliation against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, which left many United fans and football experts calling for him to be stripped of the armband.
“Yes, definitely,” Ten Hag said when asked if Bruno will continue as captain. “I think he’s playing a brilliant season and he plays a really important role in why we are in the position we are, because he’s giving energy to the team.”
“He’s not only running a lot and in the highest intensity, but also in the right way, in the right direction. And he’s pointing and coaching players.
“He’s an inspiration for the whole team, but no one is perfect. Everyone has his mistakes; everyone has to learn. I have to learn. He will learn as well, because he’s intelligent.
“But I’m really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team, and I’m really happy that Bruno – if Harry [Maguire] is not on the pitch – is our captain,” the 53-year-old.
Although United’s loss to Liverpool was the biggest against their eternal rivals, it was only their second defeat in 23 competitive games, and Ten Hag further emphasized the importance of togetherness within the team during this crucial period in the season.
“We are in the same boat, and we do it in togetherness. And so we win together, we lose together. So, oh, we make a mess on Sunday, and we have to deal with that,” he said.
“Of course, we have to set conclusions, and that is what we did. And of course, we talked about, and of course we have seen that game and set the right conclusions. And from thereon, we have to reset and bounce back.”
United, who will be without Bayern Munich loanee Marcel Sabitzer and French forward Anthony Martial, will welcome Los Verdiblancos to Old Trafford on Thursday with it being the first-ever meeting between the two sides.
