Bruno Fernandes was a constant thorn in the side of referee Anthony Taylor during Manchester United ’s goalless draw with Southampton on Sunday.
As United’s vice-captain, Fernandes has been wearing the armband recently, with club skipper Harry Maguire stuck on the bench. Fernandes’ leadership qualities came in for huge criticism following United’s 7-0 hammering by Liverpool last weekend, and his behaviour on Sunday left himself open to more barbs.
Ahead of the Southampton game, Ten Hag confirmed that he had spoken to Fernandes about controlling his emotions. “His emotion is his weapon but sometimes it's too strong and, yes, of course I help him, I support him and I give him feedback,” he said.
“Sometimes, he has to show more control of his emotions and that will help him to stay rational in the game. He has to fight the balance, when to use the rational and when to use the emotion.”
Fernandes struggled to find that “balance” against Southampton, with his frustration getting the better of him. United were furious with referee Taylor after an incident-filled match. Ten Hag gave a spiky interview to Sky Sports in which he claimed Taylor “influenced” the game.
His captain would likely agree with that assessment, after spending the game voicing his unhappiness with the referee. After Casemiro was sent off for a poor challenge on Carlos Alcaraz, Fernandes was furious not to be awarded a penalty on two occasions.
Firstly, he believed that Kyle Walker-Peters fouled him when sliding in to win the ball in the 41st minute of the match. Secondly, he thought that Armel Bella-Kotchap had handled Marcus Rashford ’s low cross a few minutes later.
Neither penalty was given and Fernandes made his feeling clear by getting in the ear of Taylor. Fernandes is unapologetic for his behaviour on the pitch and explained earlier this season why he does it.
“I play for Man United, so I know all the cameras are on our players, but everyone in the Premier League does that,” he told The Athletic in September.
"At Crystal Palace, [Wilfried] Zaha is always moaning at the referee. It is because he gets fouled, so it is normal he moans at the referee. That’s normal!
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"He wants his fouls and for the referee to give yellows (to opponents). Fernandinho, who was at Manchester City, was always moaning at the referee, and only kicking me!”
Asked if he thinks Premier League referees enjoy players moaning, he added: “Some of them like the way I am. They kind of joke about it sometimes.
"One of the referees said to me, ‘Bruno, all the time you are winning, you are such a good guy. But when you are losing or drawing, oh my god, you are a pain in my ***’. I want to be like that. I want the referee to feel that I am pressing him and always there talking to him.”
