Ten Hag defends Fernandes after second red card and insists captain does not lack discipline

Erik ten Hag has defended captain Bruno Fernandes and insisted he is not indisciplined despite a second red card in five days against Porto last night.

The Portugal midfielder was sent-off against Tottenham on Sunday – although it was later rescinded on appeal – and was also dismissed late on last night as United relinquished a two-goal lead and had to rely on a stoppage-time header from Harry Maguire to salvage a 3-3 draw in their second Europa League outing.

Having been booked in the first half at the Estadio do Dragao for a high boot, Fernandes then attempted to reach a cross from the left-wing but left his foot dangling dangerously high again, catching Porto defender Nehuen Perez on the side of the head.

He was duly dismissed but Ten Hag does not believe there is an issue to address.

He said: “The red card was overturned for Bruno so it was acknowledged it was a mistake on Sunday [against Tottenham]. This was very unlucky [in Porto] and he gave everything to make a goal. 

“He was in the right moment, in the right spot but he came on his blind side. So I wouldn’t address this as indiscipline.”

Goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund put the visitors in control but once Pepe pulled one back for Porto, there was a sense United’s soft underbelly would again be exposed and so it proved as Samu Omorodion netted twice to turn the game around.

A fine solo effort from Marcus 👌#MUFC || #UEL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 4, 2024

The team has a strong mentality – Ten Hag

Asked if United had a mental issue that means when they concede one they remain vulnerable to shipping another, Ten Hag said: “What is a mental issue? So that is a range, a spectrum of topics and you have to address it right. 

“So this team has belief, they don’t give up that. In that range of mentality, they have a strong mentality but, in some other parts, they have to step up. If you want to win trophies, in some areas, we have to improve.”

Ten Hag,…

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Author : Jon Fisher

Publish date : 2024-10-04 14:45:36

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