Erik ten Hag demands Man Utd stars take note of Bruno Fernandes' 'biggest asset'

Erik ten Hag has called on his Manchester United players to show the same desire and commitment as ever-present skipper Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes has not missed a game through injury all season and has played on through the pain barrier, unlike some of his team-mates, in a season of turmoil and under-achievement for United.

Although Fernandes is a doubt for Monday night's trip to Crystal Palace, after suffering a knock in United's last game, Ten Hag knows his captain will do all he can to ensure he is fit to start and lead the team out.

In what amounted to a clear message to certain members of his squad who lack the same physical and mental resolve as Fernandes, Ten Hag told them to be more like their warrior leader.

“Taking responsibility is one of the biggest assets nowadays that top footballers have to show and to deliver,” said Ten Hag.

“Bruno always delivers, he's always available, he never misses a game, always plays at a good level and is always giving energy to the team. Such assets are necessary to be successful.

“Bruno is a real fighter. Last year, for instance, when we played Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final, he played with an ankle that was so thick it was unbelievable. He couldn’t run, but he was still on the pitch. What is fair enough to say is that Bruno is a very good example for many other players.”

Man Utd skipper Fernandes has not missed a game through injury this season
(Image: PA)

Ten Hag dismissed any notion Fernandes will look to leave United this summer, after the 29-year-old gave an interview in which he said he would wait until after Euro 2024 this summer to assess his future.

“That was taken out of context,” said Ten Hag. “I haven’t even asked him, because I know he is Manchester United and I think he is very happy to be here.”

Asked if he felt Fernandes would see out his United contract, which has two more years to run, with the option of another year, Ten Hag said: “Definitely.”

Ten Hag also revealed United representatives have visited Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund, to check on the progress of their exiled winger, who is on loan there until the end of the season.

Jadon Sancho was sent to Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season after a fall-out with Ten Hag
(Image: Getty Images)

“We are visiting games,” said Ten Hag. "We visited, I would not say all of the games, but we have seen more games from Dortmund where Jadon was performing.

“We also had a visit with him, we had a talk with him during his stay there and we will keep going with this process, we will continually be in contact and communicate. We have four important games in the league and then the FA Cup final, so we will see in the summer what's going to happen.”

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