Erik ten Hag insists he was happy to see Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro arguing with each other in the aftermath of his side's win over Aston Villa.
United travel to Brighton on Thursday night with their quest for a top four finish very much in their own hands, following a 1-0 win over Villa at Old Trafford last Sunday. A first-half strike from Fernandes proved enough for the points, and they'll kick off at the Amex four points clear of fifth placed Liverpool with two games in hand.
But in the build-up to their FA Cup semi final repeat, Ten Hag has had to address suggestions of disharmony between two of his most senior midfield players. While team-mates celebrated at the final whistle, the experienced pair became embroiled in a heated exchange, with the Brazilian unhappy at Fernandes' failure to keep possession in the final minute as United tried to see things out.
It wasn't the first time they've been at loggerheads following a big win this season. There was also a volatile discussion following the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, despite United winning 2-0 at Wembley.
But rather than lament their latest disagreement, Ten Hag was anything but perturbed by the spat. In fact, the Dutch boss argued that the nature of the discussion underlined the desire of his players as they bid to finish the campaign with Champions League qualification
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“Yeah, of course. They have to communicate," he told the official Manchester United website , when he asked if he encouraged such player discussion. "They have to organise it and make sure we get a win. So when they are talking to each other, in discussion, debating with each other, I don’t have a problem with that. It shows the willingness and showed ambition from this team.”
Fernandes in particular, has not been afraid to lambast fellow squad members since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2020. Just months later, the Portuguese international lambasted defender Victor Lindelof after his late error allowed Sevilla to score a late winner in the Europa League semi final.
His temper also came close to landing him in hot water in March, when he appeared to shove the assistant referee amid his side's harrowing 7-0 defeat at Liverpool. However, the 28-year-old escaped punishment from the FA.
But regardless, the playmaker has been backed to take over the first-team captaincy full time at United next season, having worn the armband whenever Harry Maguire has been out of the starting XI. The likes of former club legend Rio Ferdinand have backed Fernandes to lead the side, hailing his goal and assist stats since signing from Sporting Lisbon.
