Erik ten Hag’s defence of his Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes can be admirable – if it wasn’t so laughable.
Fernandes has develop into the pantomime villain of English soccer after creating a expertise for histrionics so spectacular, it is deserving of an Oscar. Ten Hag has determined to do what most managers do – stick up for his star. The Dutchman reckons Fernandes will get fouled an excessive amount of, is a goal of opponents and that the criticism of him is an excessive amount of.
In the wake of United’s FA Cup win at Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag stated: “I see that serious media criticise him, and social media too, which is pathetic and it can’t be. He has a serious injury, but he continued to play on Saturday and (at Forest) he also fought to be part of the game. He has a very high pain threshold.”
Ten Hag has a degree. Because Fernandes’s powers of restoration following an obvious harm introduced on by a foul are off the charts exceptional.
Having collapsed like a tonne of bricks each time an opponent goes close to him, the Portuguese is up inside seconds and again within the sport.
Ten Hag may name this “character”. While most others would name it dishonest. That’s the act of feigning harm in a bid to con the referee, earn a free kick, or get an opponent into hassle regardless that he is achieved nothing fallacious.
(Image: PA)
(Image: Manchester United through Getty Imag)
A bit like when Fernandes collapsed to the turf clutching his face throughout United’s 7-0 mauling at Liverpool final season, regardless that he’d taken a lightweight blow to the chest.
The well-known United badge Fernandes wears on that chest is meant to signify honour, class, dignity and delight. Qualities numerous gamers who’ve gone earlier than him have honoured with distinction.
But Fernandes is dragging the membership’s proud title by means of the filth together with his infantile antics – and desires taking to activity, not praising. His crime sheet is now so lengthy that rival supporters have focused him for abuse.