Manchester United saw off Liverpool last night in an epic FA Cup encounter to get to the semi-final at Wembley.
A late goal from Amad Diallo in extra-time sent Old Trafford nuts. For Erik ten Hag, it felt like a season defining win and one that might well go a long way to him keeping his job.
For some of the senior players as well, there was a clear element of relief as they helped drive United over the line.
Of course, key to any good United result these days is captain, Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder has had his critics this season, but delivered yesterday on the whole.
Bruno Fernandes needs to be managed by Erik ten Hag
One of the big topics when it comes to Fernandes is how he leads the Manchester United team. His theatrics and what seems like constant complaining has caused more than one debate this season.
And speaking about Fernandes’ captaincy on Stadium Astro, former England striker Emile Heskey has admitted that the midfielder needs carefully managing by Erik ten Hag.
“I think there’s nothing wrong with that. But it needs managing because the reality is if you take away that emotion then what do you get on the pitch? You might not get the same player. We’ve been there, players being very emotional and take it out of them and it’s almost can we give it him back now? So you have to beware of how much they’re doing as you don’t want them sent off or disturbing the game but you still need it, that fight among them,” Heskey said.
Always learning
As captain as one of the biggest clubs in the world, Bruno Fernandes has a heavy burden on his shoulders really.
Some great names have gone before him and he’s going to be judged constantly, both in terms of performance and leadership.
Right now, he can hold his head high having helped his team to a semi-final. Indeed, his performance against Liverpool was good and he played a key role.
For Fernandes, it’s all about learning on the job and improving. Every player can always do better in aspects of their game and the captaincy is one of those elements.
The post 'It needs managing': Emile Heskey says Ten Hag has to 'beware' how he treats £47m Man United player appeared first on TBR Football.