Erik ten Hag today lashed out at Fulham, claiming it is “absolutely not right” the club put out a TikTok that made fun of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
A clip of Fernandes appearing to make the most of minimal contact from Cottagers midfielder Sasa Lukic during Fulham’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday has been circulating on social media this week and this morning appeared on the London club’s official TikTok account.
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The video was accompanied by comedic music, a caption of “so glad he’s okay” and an eye roll emoji.
When informed of this, Ten Hag outlined his displeasure and demanded an apology.
He said: “It’s not right. It’s absolutely not right that a club makes such a statement, it’s totally out of order and they were wrong and they should apologise for this.”
🗣️ “It’s totally out of order and they were wrong”
Erik ten Hag says Fulham should apologise for a TikTok video poking fun at Bruno Fernandes during their win against Man Utd 🗯️ PIC.TWITTER.COM/4CFEZX2RZD
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) FEBRUARY 29, 2024
Ten Hag also felt Fulham targeted Fernandes on the pitch at the weekend, adding: “He [Fernandes] is a very passionate football player and he is a very creative football player. He is creating the most chances in the Premier League.
“You see opponents are targeting him and especially Saturday when he had the knock and they see it. Then I feel that the referee should protect him.”
Asked where the Portugal international ranks in terms of the players he has coached, Ten Hag said: “Very highly. First of all, his football skills, he is so creative in the final third, creating chances, he is an absolutely key player and can score a goal.
“But also his output, his contribution to defending jobs, leading and reading situations, reading the press and running in the right moments and pointing other players around him. He shows leadership by example.”
United edged into the FA Cup quarter-finals – and a meeting with Liverpool – last night following a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, Casemiro nodding in a last-gasp winner.
These scenes! 🤩🔥#MUFC || #FACUP PIC.TWITTER.COM/EATHRVLSJV
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) FEBRUARY 29, 2024
Fernandes and Raphael Varane had been injury doubts for the game at the City Ground but Ten Hag said they came through unscathed and should be fit for Sunday’s Manchester derby against City at the Etihad.
The Dutchman said: “They fought to be part of the game and they came out of it well so I think they will be available for Sunday as well.
“I don’t think any other players will return from Sunday so it will be the squad from yesterday.”
