I watched Bruno Fernandes being treated like a villain - Erik ten Hag was right

Bruno Fernandes will be near the top of any list when it comes to players who divide opinion.

The Manchester United captain has been an ever-present figure during the good and bad days at Old Trafford since joining from Sporting Lisbon in Janaury 2020. The fact he has never missed a United game through injury is remarkable and his 71 goals, alongside 62 assists have made him arguably United's best signing over the past decade.

But there is an undercurrent of hate when it comes to the Portuguese. Take Wednesday's fixture at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest which saw him loudly booed with every touch, a reception that no other United player was given.

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Booing is unlikely to affect Fernandes, particularly when he provided the assist for Casemiro's winning goal late on against Forest. But the reaction towards United's creative midfielder is far from a one-off whenever he steps foot on the pitch.

Fulham were criticised by Erik Ten Hag this week after they posted a TikTok clip which hinted that Fernandes' injury in the dying stages of last weekend's game against the Cottagers was exaggerated. The 29-year-old played in the FA Cup on Wednesday but was seen limping away from the City Ground after the full-time whistle.

Fernandes' body language on the pitch at times can frustrate both United fans and neutrals which makes him an easy target for criticism. But any accusation that he is not a leader should be rubbished when you consider how often he steps up for the club during difficult moments.

His form may have waned in recent weeks, but he has still netted several goals and