Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has hit out at the critics of Bruno Fernandes, who claim that the midfielder regularly feigns injury.
After Saturday's Premier League fixture against Fulham, a video emerged on social media where Fernandes went down on the edge of the penalty area holding his leg after minimal contact from a challenge from Sasa Lukic.
Once a free kick was not awarded and United remained on the attack, the team's captain showed no ill-effects when jumping to his feet to join the move as the Red Devils searched for a late equaliser.
On Wednesday night, against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round, the talking point again raised its head, with Fernandes winning a number of fouls to the extent where Ten Hag felt that the Portugal international was being deliberately targeted.
United ultimately prevailed at the City Ground, with Fernandes supplying the free kick for Casemiro to divert the ball into the net from close range as the game entered stoppage time.
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Nevertheless, Ten Hag found himself commenting on Fernandes - who had been regarded as a fitness doubt before the game - when speaking afterwards.
As quoted by BBC Sport, he said: "You saw that Forest were targeting him. There were many fouls on him and you see when he is getting the ball, they are really tight on him."
The Dutchman added: "I see social media criticising him. It is pathetic. He had a serious injury but he continued to play on Saturday and then also he fought to be part of this game.
"He has a very high pain threshold and last year, he did something similar against Spurs and I think in the semi-final (against Brighton). It shows his leadership."
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Fernandes has made a total of 34 starts in all competitions this season, being named in the United XI for 25 of their 26 matches in the Premier League.
As a result of his assist for the winner in the East Midlands, United have set up a FA Cup quarter-final showdown with Liverpool on March 16 or 17.
Providing that he is passed fit, having been seen limping towards the end of the game with Forest, Fernandes will start the derby with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
United head into that fixture sitting three points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League standings and eight points behind Aston Villa who are in fourth position.
Darren Plant
