ERIK TEN HAG has backed Bruno Fernandes despite his poor start to the season.
The Manchester United boss admitted he is “worried” about the team’s ability to create chances ahead of Sunday’s shocker against Tottenham – but insists he has full confidence in the Portuguese star.
United were desperately hoping to get back to winning ways after back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente.
Going into the Spurs clash, United ranked 13th in the Premier League for chances created, with just 60 all season.
And ahead of Sunday’s clash. Ten Hag revealed his fear about his squad creating chances, telling Sky Sports: “We are creating lots of chances but we don’t finish enough. I’m worried when we don’t create chances.”
And a player who has been scrutinised the most is captain Fernandes, who is having a quiet season after failing to score in the Premier League and registering just one assist.
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But Ten Hag is not worried about his performances and believes he will have a great campaign.
The Dutchman continued: “Every season it’s the same and at the end of the season.
“Bruno created the most chances in the PL and scored a lot of goals. I’m not worried.”
And fans have disagreed with the boss suggesting if other stars such as Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are benched due to poor form then so should Fernandes.
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One said: “If Casemiro is on the bench due to poor form then Bruno Fernandes shouldn’t be starting either.”
Another added: “Erik ten Hag needs to be the manager a club like Man Utd needs… You cant keep Bruno Fernandes on the pitch all the time hoping for one moment of brilliance.”
A third then put: “Bruno should be on the bench after his bad run of games.”
Last term Fernandes scored 15 goals and created 13 assists across all competitions last season.
However, the Dutchman may have spoken too soon.
Just before half time against Spurs, Fernandes was shown a straight red card – his first for United – after a wild lunge on James Maddison.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
