Erik ten Hag has stated that Bruno Fernandes’s willingness to play through a foot injury at Tottenham on Thursday should be an example to the rest of his Manchester United players.
Fernandes sustained the problem early in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Brighton but played on until the 101st minute.
He then wore a protective boot as a precaution in his determination to be available to face Spurs. Ten Hag, speaking after the 2-2 draw, praised the stand-in captain’s attitude. “It was tough [for him],” the manager said. “A big compliment to Bruno, he absolutely did not wish to miss this game – and every game.
I think he is the example, that you have to suffer, have to decide if you wish to sacrifice, if you want to play or don’t play, if at this level you want to achieve something. “So once again he showed there what a great captain he is, how he has taken responsibility; even if he is not 100% fit he did the job.