Erik ten Hag says Bruno Fernandes’s attitude is a lesson to teammates

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. He was important in this game as well, and hopefully others in the team can see him as an inspiration and do the same.”

Alejandro Garnacho, who on Friday signed a contract extension to 2028, is back in light training after a foot injury that has kept the teenager out since 12 March. Ten Hag said it was not clear when the Argentinian winger would return to team training and that he would not release him for the Under-20 World Cup, which is being held in his home country from 20 May to 11 June.

Jadon Sancho, who has endured uneven form this term, scored United’s opener at Spurs but was taken off at half-time. When explaining why, Ten Hag criticised the forward. “He scored a great goal [and] I think he had to score another one,” he said. “He had quite a good performance.

“But also we lost control and also in the pressing before half-time, the defensive organisation on the left side wasn’t great cooperation. So I hoped to improve that.”