In the video shared by Fulham, Fernandes was portrayed falling to the ground following a challenge from midfielder Sasa Lukic approximately 25 yards from the goal. Although Fernandes gestured for a free-kick upon falling, his appeals were ignored by the referee, prompting him to swiftly resume play. United responded with an official statement condemning Fulham’s harsh video, and now an angered Ten Hag has criticized Fulham’s actions, deeming them “inappropriate.”

Addressing reporters, Ten Hag expressed his disapproval, stating, “I didn’t know this, but if they did it, I would say it is not right. It is absolutely not right that a club makes such a statement because it is totally out of order and wrong and they should apologise for this.”

When questioned about Fernandes’ professionalism, Ten Hag praised the club captain, commending him for his outstanding leadership qualities.

“Highly, very highly (rating Fernandes’ professionalism),” the Dutchman affirmed. “First of all for his football skills, he is so creative, in the final third, creating chances, an absolutely key player. He can score a goal but also his output, his contribution in defending, reading the situation, reading the press but also be an example by running and running in the right moments. He is absolutely [a case of] leadership by example.”

Ten Hag also disclosed, following the FA Cup triumph over Nottingham Forest, that Fernandes has been playing despite experiencing discomfort, and he criticized those who disparaged him in the media and on social platforms. Nonetheless, Fernandes is expected to be fit for selection, along with Raphael Varane, for the impending Manchester derby at the Etihad on Sunday. However, several other United players, including Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw, are anticipated to be absent for the highly anticipated encounter.

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes

Forwarder, Midfielder

Portugal

Age: 30

179 cm

80 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 33 3 Missed
Minutes 2970 90.0 Avg
Goals 10 0.3 Avg
Assist 7 0.2 Avg
Attempt 39 1.2 Avg
Passes 1781 54.078.8% AvgSucc
Yellow 8 0.2 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 3 times for 270 minutes for FA Cup.

Bruno Fernandes  scored 2 goals for Manchester United. He procured one assist. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 6th in FA Cup. In the last match Manchester United won 1-0 against Nottingham Forest. The next match in FA Cup will be against Manchester City.

Manchester United performance and stats

Manchester United

Manager: Erik ten Hag
Rank 8th
Win 16
Draw 6
Loss 14
Goals 52-56
Diff -4
Rank 4th
Win 1
Draw 1
Loss 4
Goals 12-15
Diff -3

Fulham performance and stats

Fulham

Manager: Marco Saraiva da Silva
Rank 14th
Win 12
Draw 8
Loss 17
Goals 51-59
Diff -8

Fulham is currently 12th in the Premier League with 32 points.

In the last 26 games, it has won 9 times, drawn 6 times, and lost 11 times. In its last match, Fulham won 1-2 against Manchester United.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 36 goals and conceding 42.​

Fulham will play the next match in Premier League against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 2nd of March in London. The prediction is Fulham winning the match.​