Fernandes reveals fear of Ronaldo and Rashford treatment is key to Man United form

The Dutchman was praised for his firm stance in the lead up to Ronaldo's departure in November.

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Ten Hag has shown on multiple occasions that he is not afraid to make big decisions.

Both Jadon Sancho and top scorer Marcus Rashford have fallen foul of Ten Hag's disciplinary measures this season and Fernandes admits the former Ajax has high demands of his players.

"He demands from people. You either do it [work hard in training] or you're out and you don't play," Fernandes told BT Sport.

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"In the beginning [we thought] if a big player doesn't do what he wants, will he pull them apart or not?

"He did it many times. He did it with Cristiano, he did it with Jadon, he did it with Marcus."

Fernandes recalled United's trip to Wolves on New Year's Eve when Ten Hag dropped Rashford to the bench for turning up late to a team meeting, sticking to his guns despite United's lack of available attacking options.

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Fernandes added: "In the big moments, like Marcus was probably in the best form against Wolves. He did something wrong and the manager just pulled him out and everybody was like, 'Wow'.

"In the first moment we were like, 'Woah he's our main man we need him', but in the second one I was sitting with David [De Gea] and I said it has to be like this because if not, the younger ones will think he if does nothing to him, next one he will do nothing to me too.

"Marcus was angry because he wanted to play but he accepted, came on, scored and wins the game. Then you see the end of the story: him and the coach together smiling, laughing.

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United are quietly going about their business under Ten Hag and still have the opportunity to win every competition they are challenging for.

The Red Devils' can book their place in the Europa League last-16 if they overcome Barcelona at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Then, Sunday presents Ten Hag with his first shot at silverware as United boss when his side face Newcastle in the EFL Cup final.

United host West Ham next week in the FA Cup fifth round and sit just five points adrift of leaders Arsenal in a Premier League title race that still has many twists and turns to come.