Ten Hag sticks with Fernandes as United captain after Liverpool pain

Erik ten Hag launched a robust defence of Bruno Fernandes on Wednesday after the Manchester United captain was branded a "disgrace" for his attitude in last weekend's humiliation against Liverpool.

Fernandes was accused of giving up and showing poor body language as Liverpool scored six times in the second half of their historic 7-0 victory at Anfield on Sunday.

The Portugal midfielder appeared to push one of the assistant referees and clashed with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, leading some fans to call for him to be stripped of the captaincy.

Former United star Roy Keane called Fernandes a disgrace, but Ten Hag said the 28-year-old was the right man to lead the team and would remain skipper when club captain Harry Maguire does not play.

Hailing Fernandes as an "inspiration" ahead of Thursday's Europa League last 16 first leg against Real Betis at Old Trafford, Ten Hag told reporters: "I think 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 team.

"He's pointing and coaching players. He's an inspiration for the whole team but no one is perfect. Everyone has his mistakes and everyone has to learn.

"He will learn as well because he's intelligent. I'm really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and I am really happy that Bruno Fernandes, if Harry is not on the pitch, is our captain."

United forward Marcus Rashford also backed Fernandes, insisting he was a role model for the rest of the team.

"I love playing with Bruno, as you can imagine. He's been a good leader for us even when he's not been captain, which is always a good sign," he said.

"I don't have anything negative to say about Bruno. Like the manager said, nobody's