March 1 – Fulham have been criticised by Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag after they released a short video on their TikTok account which appeared to mock Red Devils Captain Bruno Fernandes.
The United boss took to his press conference on Thursday to demand that the Cottagers remove the clip.
The video in question targets an incident where Fernandes felt he was fouled and proceeded to stay down feigning injury.
As play continued without a free-kick being awarded, 29-year-old Fernandes sparked back into life as though nothing had happened, quickly getting to his feet and demanding the ball.
The clip, which has generated over 1 million views, is dubbed with jaunty music and sarcastically captioned: ‘So glad he’s OK’.
“It is not right. Totally out of order and wrong. They should apologise for this,” said Ten Hag.
Fernandes has a history with poor discipline, already gathering four yellow cards for dissent since the start of the season.
When questioned about whether Fernandes is developing a reputation for simulation, Ten Hag remarked that opposing players are “targeting him”.
“I thought it was definitely a foul on Saturday. It was misjudged from media, social media, to blame him for it. Referees should protect him,” Dutchman Ten Hag said.
Manchester United have it all to do in the Manchester Derby on Sunday afternoon, as they visit the Etihad in what could be a season-defining match for both teams. Operating without star striker Rasmus Hojlund due to injury, the pressure may fall on Marcus Rashford to come up with the goods.
The England forward has faced a wave of criticism for his inconsistency in front of goal this term, especially when compared to his career-best form last season.
With Frenchman Kylian Mbappe bound for Real Madrid in the Summer, PSG have turned to Rashford as a summer target to replace their talisman. In the process, Rashford’s commitment to his current club, catalysed by his patchy form, has been questioned by fans.
“If you ever question my commitment to United, that’s when I have to speak up,” the England forward said in a piece for The Players’ Tribune.
“It’s like somebody questioning my entire identity, and everything I stand for.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1735073383labto1735073383ofdlr1735073383owedi1735073383sni@g1735073383niwe.1735073383yrrah1735073383