Manchester United have spent around £1.5billion since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired a decade ago and, as yet, they are yet to get a proper return on that jaw-dropping investment.
26.08.2023 - 03:55 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Erik ten Hag has defended Bruno Fernandes amid criticism of his captaincy in Manchester United's 2-0 defeat at Tottenham.
Fernandes was appointed the official captain of United last month but he was booked for dissent by referee Michael Oliver against Spurs last week.
As captain, Fernandes is entitled to approach a referee and when the Portuguese queried a yellow card for teammate Antony in the 38th minute, he was swiftly booked.
There is some concern at United that Fernandes is gaining an unfair reputation that could affect his dealings with officials going forward.
Also read: Ten Hag confirms United are open to signing a left-back
Fernandes also demanded an apology after the game from referees' chief Jon Moss over Oliver's failure to award United a first-half penalty.
"Of course, I back him and I think he has to make his point," Ten Hag said. "It’s justified, it’s a clear penalty. You can express that. Also, don’t get distracted by it. Keep focusing on your job.
"Last season when he did it (captaining United), he did brilliantly. Now as well. He’s an inspiration, an example for the team, he has the personality. He is a very good captain."
Ten Hag suggested Moss had not apologised to him. With the game goalless in the first half, Alejandro Garnacho's goalbound shot smacked the outstretched hand of Spurs defender Cristian Romero but neither on-pitch referee Oliver nor VAR Craig Pawson deemed it to be handball.
Moss, in attendance at Old Trafford for United's opening win against Wolves, hastily apologised to the visitors' manager Gary O'Neil after Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic in the 96th minute.
"It happened," Ten Hag shrugged. "I know in football sometimes decisions are on your side, sometimes against
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