Erik ten Hag: 'Bruno Fernandes showed his personality against Real Betis'

Fernandes faced widespread criticism for his conduct during the second half of last weekend's 7-0 defeat at Liverpool in the Premier League, and there had been calls for the Portugal international to lose the captain's armband following the shock result at Anfield.

However, Ten Hag threw his support behind the attacker ahead of the clash with Real Betis.

Fernandes came up with an impressive performance on Thursday evening, finding the back of the net in a 4-1 victory for the Red Devils in the first leg of their last-16 contest in the Europa League.

"I think today he showed big personality by giving this performance and leading the team, and I thought it was brilliant," Ten Hag told reporters during his post-match press conference.

"He seemed to enjoy that goal and he seemed to be extra fired up, as if he had a point to prove.

"I think he has so many skills, and now scoring with his head from a corner. I think he scores with his right, with his left, with his head.

"He is creating final passes and I think, of course, he is very happy when he scores a goal because that's important and you can celebrate, and he did together, in togetherness with his fans.

"He is not only giving the physical output, the best of the whole team, but also he is running in the right direction and he is pointing players in that direction. He is coaching players. So [he is] leading the team in a tactical perspective.

"His emotion is his weapon, but sometimes it's too strong and, of course, I help him, I support him, and I give him feedback. Sometimes he has to show more controlled emotions, that will help him to stay in the ratio of the game instead of the emotion.

"So, he has to find the balance to be in the ratio. When to use the ratio as a tool, and the emotional as a tool. So that's the next step. I think that's a nice development point for him and, when he does it, he will be an even better player."

Fernandes is currently wearing the armband for Man United due to Harry Maguire's struggles for minutes.

The 28-year-old has been a vital player for the Red Devils during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing eight goals and 12 assists in 41 appearances in all competitions.

Having put themselves in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League, Man United will be back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon against Southampton.

The Red Devils are currently third in the table, seven points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool on the same number of matches (25).