Erik underlines Bruno's importance
Erik ten Hag has underlined the importance of Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United and says he is happy with the standards the Portuguese playmaker is setting at Old Trafford.
Our no.8 has been questioned in some media quarters following the difficult defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.
Some commentators have suggested that he should no longer captain the side – Fernandes has regularly worn the armband this season when club skipper Harry Maguire has not been in the starting XI.
But Erik is unwilling to countenance that possibility and instead was keen to highlight the positive effect that the Portugal international has had on his team-mates, during a campaign where he's registered 18 goal involvements in 40 games and missed just two matches in all competitions, both due to suspension.
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“Yes, definitely,” Erik replied, when asked whether Fernandes would continue to wear the armband for the Reds. “I think he is playing a brilliant season.
“He [occupies] a really important role, [which is] why we are in the position where we are because he is giving energy to the team.
“He is not only running a lot and in the highest intensity, but also in the right way, in the right direction and he is pointing and coaching players.
“He is an inspiration for the whole team but no-one is perfect," added Ten Hag. "Everyone has his mistakes and everyone has to learn.
“I have to learn and he will learn as well because he is intelligent.
“So I am really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and I am really happy that Bruno Fernandes - if Harry is not on the pitch - is our captain.”