MANCHESTER, England: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has defended captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder’s lackluster start to the season, saying it is only a matter of time before the Portugal international returns to his best form.
Fernandes has completed just one assist and is yet to score a goal this season and the midfielder has been criticized for his performances in United’s last two games in draws with Crystal Palace and Twente Enschede.
Ten Hag was asked if the 30-year-old was tired after a difficult last season when he played more than 4,000 minutes for United before representing his country at Euro 2024.
“I think the team put him in a situation. I think he can and has proven it, many times in the Premier League, he can create many chances,” Ten Hag told reporters yesterday ahead of Sunday’s home game against Tottenham Hotspur.
“I’m sure he won’t do it any differently. He’ll get back to his best form.
“He has created chances but he will make the last pass, he will score 100 per cent. Only time will tell.”
United have conceded just five goals in the league this season and sit 11th in the table.
“We have players in the team who are capable of scoring goals. But it’s clear when you look at all the chances we create, we don’t score enough goals,” said Ten Hag.
United have failed to beat Spurs for two years and are in a clash that has traditionally produced plenty of goals.
Ten Hag said he expects a tough match against Ange Postecoglou’s men who have collected seven points and are 10th on goal difference.