Erik ten Hag highlights ‘brilliant’ player who ‘made the difference’ after Man Utd’s ‘horror start’ against Notts Forest
ERIK TEN HAG hailed Bruno Fernandes for inspiring Manchester United after their “horror start”.
The Red Devils conceded twice in a “crazy” 227 SECONDS against Forest — their worst opening to a Premier League game.
But skipper Fernandes fired a penalty winner after Christian Eriksen and Casemiro scored.
Boss Ten Hag said: “Horror start, we were undisciplined. They were easy give-aways. It’s just crazy.
“But the character of the team was just brilliant. To stay calm after such a messy start is brilliant.
“Bruno played a very good game — at the highest level.
“He kept in emotional control and was brilliant in helping make the difference.
“We have good leaders in the team. We stuck to our belief, we stuck to our plan, played good football and scored three good goals.
“It’s a marker. We have seen that this team can bounce back.
“We have the personality. We can improve, but in general this team has the character.”
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Ten Hag ripped into his players on Friday for not “doing their jobs” in their lacklustre defeat at Tottenham last weekend.
Former Man Utd captain Roy Keane also slammed current skipper Fernandes over the 2-0 loss.
But Fernandes led United’s response to Taiwo Awoniyi scoring after 86 seconds and Willy Boly doubling Forest’s lead inside four minutes.
Eriksen’s 17th-minute tap-in started the fightback before Casemiro bundled home for 2-2.
Fernandes believes the win shows the players are fighting for the club.
The Portuguese midfielder, 28, said: “We know this shirt demands a lot and we’re ready for it. The team showed great spirit, passion and desire.
“We know we’re capable of doing great things.
“There’s always pressure to score a penalty. I’ve studied these situations a lot and I’m ready if I need to step up.”
Forest boss Steve Cooper was “biting his tongue” over the decision to send off Joe Worrall for hauling down Fernandes.
And over the awarding of the decisive penalty for Danilo’s challenge on Marcus Rashford.
VAR Michael Salisbury felt ref Stuart Attwell had not made a clear and obvious error in either case.
Cooper said: “I am not going to talk too much as I don’t want to get into trouble. But I was surprised how quickly the decisions were made.
“They were defining moments. One frustration we have is we had some really good moments to score again. We have to look at ourselves as well.”