Ten Hag makes captain decision after Fernandes' furious ref outburst

FT Desk

• 26 Aug 2023 13:00 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has come to a decision over Bruno Fernandes' future as club captain.

Fernandes hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons last weekend during his side's disappointing defeat at the hands of Tottenham.

The Portugal international was booked for berating Michael Oliver over a missed penalty call, and then demanded an apology from referees' chief Jon Moss in a post-match interview.

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“Last week they made a big thing on United not having a penalty against [them]. I want to see what is going to happen this week if it is going to happen the same show they did last week," he fired.

"I want to see if Jon Moss also comes to apologise to our dressing room like they did to the manager of Wolves. I hope he can come.”

That outburst invited criticism of Fernandes' temperament and even calls for him to lose the armband, but Ten Hag is standing by his star midfielder.

Fernandes has manager's support

"Of course, I back him and I think he has to make his point," Ten Hag explained to reporters.

"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."