Erik ten Hag must abandon Bruno Fernandes experiment for Manchester United vs Real Betis

Bruno Fernandes was mentioned more than any other player during Erik ten Hag's press conference on Wednesday. The journalists in attendance at Carrington were keen to ask about Fernandes, who received heavy criticism for his second-half performance against Liverpool at the weekend, as the post-mortem from the Anfield debacle continued.

With Harry Maguire spending the bulk of his time on the bench this season, Fernandes has been de-facto captain in his absence, but he acted like a petulant toddler against Liverpool, rather than someone who represents the biggest club in England.

Fernandes' body language as the team spectacularly capitulated in the second half was unsatisfactory, to say the least, and he drew intense criticism on social media when appearing to ask to be substituted when the sixth goal hit the net.

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A furious Gary Neville said on commentary: "Bruno Fernandes is stood in the centre circle with his arms raised asking: ‘Why is it me not coming off?'. Honestly, I have to say some of his behaviour in the second half has been a disgrace."

After the dust began to settle on the Anfield onslaught, it was revealed Fernandes did not request to be substituted, with sources instead claiming he was seeking clarification on his position after the 85th-minute substitution.

It was therefore not a surprise to see Ten Hag confirm Fernandes would keep his role as captain during his press conference, nor was his defence of the player, who he said 'is having a brilliant season' and 'who gives energy to the team'.

"He’s playing a brilliant season, he’s had a really important role in why we’re in the position where we are, because he’s giving energy to the