Premier League
Erik Ten Hag Backs Manchester United Captain Bruno Fernandes To Return To Form
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has jumped to the defense of captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder’s slow start to the season, saying it is only a matter of time before the Portugal international returns to his best.
Fernandes has not yet scored this season and has only one assist to his name. He has faced criticism for his performances in the past two matches, where Manchester United were held to draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente.
Ten Hag was asked if the player is fatigued after a grueling last season in which he played over 4,000 minutes for United before representing his country at EURO 2024.
“I think the team brings him into a situation. I think he is capable and he has proven already, so many times in the Premier League, he can create many chances,” Ten Hag told reporters on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s home game against Tottenham Hotspur.
“I am convinced he will not do differently. He will find his form.
“He is already creating chances, but he will make final passes, and he will score goals 100%. It is just a matter of time.”
United have scored only five league goals this season and sit 11th in the standings.
“We have players across the team who have the abilities to score. But it’s clear you see all the opportunities we’ve created, we’ve not scored enough,” Ten Hag said.
“You always work into a season, you have to build it, the structures in defending, structures in possession, of course. You start with the build-up, I think we have the structures quite right.
“Across all games, we have more possession… and then it’s about what we do with the possession. We bring the ball into the final third, we bring the ball into the box a lot… but we have to take advantage of it.”
Manchester United hasn’t defeated Spurs in two years, and in a matchup that has historically seen plenty of goals.
Ten Hag commented that he anticipates a thrilling contest against Ange Postecoglou’s side, who also sit at seven points and are currently 10th on goal difference.
“It always is against Tottenham and I think it is also our style as well. So I think it is going to be a very dynamic, attractive game,” he said.
