Erik ten Hag has launched an impassioned defence of Bruno Fernandes, labelling the criticism of his Manchester United captain as “pathetic” following his crucial role in setting up an FA Cup quarter-final tie with Liverpool.
Casemiro’s late winner kept United in with a chance of ending a disappointing season with silverware as Ten Hag’s men edged past Nottingham Forest to set up a last-eight clash with Jurgen Klopp’s quadruple chasers next month.
Ten Hag won the Carabao Cup in a promising first campaign but has come under increasing pressure during a troubled second season that threatened to unravel if they had lost at the City Ground.
But last year’s FA Cup finalists dug deep and Casemiro turned home Fernandes’ free-kick at the death to secure a 1-0 victory against Forest and set up a mouth-watering quarter-final at Old Trafford.
Forest looked fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men in stoppage time after Felipe grabbed Fernandes’ throat.
Speaking afterwards, Ten Hag refused to confirm if the Portuguese had played with an injection after being declared a doubt on the eve of the match – but the Dutchman did come to the player’s defence after being singled out once more by the opposition.
The United boss said: “I don’t go into that because you also saw Forest were targeting him… they were being a bit too tough, they were really tight on him.
“I won’t say what he has, but criticism is pathetic – on social media, etc. He has a very high pain threshold – he did something similar versus Spurs last year.”
Ten Hag: Liverpool a very good challenge for us
United were on the right end this time of a late winner
The history of United and English football could have turned out very differently if Mark Robins had not scored for the club against Nottingham Forest back in January 1990. Sir Alex Ferguson was on the brink of being sacked when Robins struck the winner in an FA Cup third-round tie.
It prevented a fourth straight trophy-less season for Ferguson and the rest, as they say, is history. This dramatic victory – witnessed by Sir Alex in the stands – provides a welcome shot in the arm for Ten Hag.
His injury-hit United not only bounced back from the home loss to Fulham but avoided extra-time exertions before this weekend’s derby clash with Manchester City.
Sir Alex Ferguson was in the stands at the City Ground
Ten Hag added: “It’s big – we want to win every competition – the team fighting, showing determination, passion and desire.
“They showed it today, we were disappointed after Saturday but we showed resilience. We have serious problems at the back four – happy Rapha [Raphael Varane] and Bruno [Fernandes] fought to be part of this game. It was so important, Bruno’s assist.
“It was hard to line-up, especially the back four – it was a puzzle. We found the right formation and organisation – first half although we created chances, we allowed them some counters.
“After that we took control of the game – we were calm, composed – we got the switches, we took control, didn’t allow counter-attacks, very pleased with the second half – pleased with the spirit and desire showed.”
On facing Liverpool in the next round, the United boss said: “There are many good teams in the Premier League – Liverpool are top so it’s a very good challenge for us. We are looking forward to Sunday [against Manchester City].”
Broad: Fair result but ‘moan’ United won’t beat Liverpool
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After reporting on Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest for Soccer Special, former England cricketer Stuart Broad claims there’s a culture of moaning at Old Trafford, led by captain Bruno Fernandes
Stuart Broad on Soccer Special:
“Ultimately, I don’t think any Forest fan can have any complaints about the result. Manchester United had the extra quality and probably just about deserved it.
“Onana had to make five saves and they were all straight at him. If Forest had found the corner with one of them, they’d have gone ahead. United won it late on with a bit of controversy over a potential offside but the block wasn’t interfering so it was the right call.
“It was poor defending to allow the free-kick to come in at the near post and for Casemiro to get to the ball first. I’m gutted, but I’m sure 99 per cent of the football world will be happy we’ve got Man Utd vs Liverpool in the quarter-finals.
“I thought United were pretty average. They’re a weird watch as I grew up watching the team under Sir Alex Ferguson. It’s quite tiring watching Fernandes. He has his arms up for almost every decision and that feeds into the rest of the team.
“There’s a moany culture out there on the field of play that they need to try and shake as they’ve got natural quality there. It would be a surprise for me if they were to beat Liverpool in the next round. There’s something missing with United and the players lack that same intensity.”
Rooney: Ten Hag will get time
Erik ten Hag watches his side in FA Cup action
Former Man Utd forward Wayne Rooney told the BBC: “It is a massive victory, and not the best of games. Both sides missed good chances but that’s a big win for Manchester United.
“You want big players to have big moments and Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro combined at the end. A lot is made about Erik ten Hag’s position but he has been doing OK. We are starting to see more consistency and I think he will get time.”
On Marcus Rashford’s form: “You need the team to create chances for you if you are playing as a number nine. Marcus Rashford needs to be more ruthless and be patient and stay in the middle of the goal. You just want to see more from him.
“Confidence is the main factor, he hasn’t been scoring regularly this season and he maybe needs to simplify his game to get back in the groove.
“He’s not the most vocal lad. His body language doesn’t look great at times but he’s not like that. The senior players need to get more out of him and get him fired up.”
What’s next?
Nottingham Forest host Premier League leaders Liverpool at the City Ground on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
Man Utd travel to the Etihad Stadium to face cross-town neighbours Man City on Sky Sports Premier League from 3pm, kick-off 3.30pm.
