Manchester United were enjoying an illuminating period, boasting an undefeated streak across all competitions in 2024 until they suffered an unexpected home league defeat to Fulham. Nonetheless, they bounced back with a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in an FA Cup fifth-round fixture on Tuesday.
The United side has advanced to the next round of the competition. In the quarterfinals, they will be playing against the newly crowned EFL Carabao Cup champions, Liverpool, at Old Trafford. After the FA Cup win, the Dutch manager criticized Nottingham Forest for deliberately targeting Bruno Fernandes during the match.
Erik ten Hag provides update on Bruno Fernandes injury
Bruno Fernandes was in doubt for the FA Cup clash against Forest at City Ground on Wednesday due to injury concerns. However, the Manchester United captain was declared fit before the game and played a crucial role, setting up Casemiro’s winner in the 89th minute with his free-kick.
The recent assist brought his total goal contribution for the season to 15 in 35 appearances across all competitions. Bruno Fernandes hasn’t missed a single game for the Red Devils due to injury for the past two years. Meanwhile, this campaign, he only missed their trip to Anfield in December due to suspension.
During the post-match press conference, Erik ten Hag accused Nottingham Forest players of targeting the Portuguese midfielder, who was seen limping following robust challenges from the home players.
He said, “You saw Forest was targetting him, I’m not going to say what he has but it’s a serious injury, and seeing how serious it was, they criticize him on social media and it’s pathetic and can’t be, He has a serious injury but he continues to play on Saturday [against Fulham], he fought to be part of this game.”
Also, the United boss defended his captain amid online criticism over his performances.
Nottingham Forest managers denies Erik teg Hag’s injury claim
Nottingham Forest, who are battling to avoid relegation and currently sit in 17th place in the Premier League table, faced elimination from the FA Cup after a narrow home loss to the Red Devils. On the other hand, the club is at risk of facing the same fate as Everton after reportedly violating financial regulations.
Their recently appointed former Al-Ittihad boss Nuno Espirito Santo responded in a surprised manner to the accusations made by his Dutch counterpart over Bruno Fernandes during the press conference, saying, “No, I don’t think so, I don’t think so.”
Nuno added, “He’s a very good player. Today was the case again; he’s a good player who needs to be controlled, and I think Danilo and Yates did that, but in a fair way, not ever causing any problems or trying to injure him. I didn’t see what Erik saw.”
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