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Erik ten Hag accused Nottingham Forest of intentionally focusing on Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United’s FA Cup fifth spherical win on Wednesday as he slammed “pathetic” criticism of the midfielder.
Fernandes featured in United’s 1-0 victory on the Metropolis Floor regardless of a “severe harm” suffered in final weekend’s loss in opposition to Fulham.
The Portugal star delivered the free-kick that Casemiro transformed within the 89th minute to seal a quarter-final conflict with bitter rivals Liverpool.
Fernandes was on the receiving finish of strong challenges from Forest all through the 90 minutes, simply days after United’s captain was the butt of social media jokes following his harm in opposition to Fulham.
Fulham’s official TikTok account poked enjoyable at him for showing to feign the issue on Saturday.
However Ten Hag stated Fernandes has usually performed via the ache barrier after the type of tough tackling he was subjected to by Forest, which left him limping at full-time.
“I do not wish to go into that since you noticed that Forest was focusing on him, so I do not inform what he has however it was a severe harm,” Ten Hag stated.
“There have been many fouls on him. Perhaps I’m a bit of bit too powerful however when he has the ball they had been actually tight on him.
“Then I see that severe media criticise him and social media is pathetic and it could possibly’t be.
“He has a severe harm however he continued to play on Saturday and at present he additionally fought to be a part of the sport and he has a really excessive ache threshold.
“Final yr he did additionally one thing related in opposition to Spurs and it exhibits his management as a result of that expresses his character and that is superb if you find yourself a frontrunner.”
United, who face Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League on Sunday, saved alive their final probability of successful silverware this season regardless of a scrappy show.
However Ten Hag is aware of dealing with quadruple chasing Liverpool within the final eight means United are removed from sure to land the second trophy of his troubled two-year reign.
“There are numerous good groups within the Premier League, Liverpool at this second is prime however it’s a nice problem and we’re actually wanting ahead to it,” he stated.
“We just like the challenges. It is a fantastic sport for us. However initially we at the moment are wanting ahead to Sunday.”
