Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes is in need of increased protection on the football pitch, as asserted by Erik ten Hag. However, despite ten Hag’s plea, data reveals that over 110 Premier League players have been fouled more frequently than Fernandes during the current season. The Dutch coach expressed his apprehension following an incident in United’s FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest, during which Fernandes was assaulted by an opposing player, Felipe, with no repercussions.
Ten Hag divulged that Fernandes had played through an injury in that match, during which he assisted United’s decisive winning goal in the closing moments. This injury had actually been sustained in their previous Premier League fixture against Fulham. Subsequent to this, Ten Hag criticised Fulham for sharing a video clip on their TikTok account that depicted Fernandes allegedly simulating an injury. He stated, “It is inappropriate for a club to make such allegations. An apology is warranted.”
Furthermore, Ten Hag highlighted that opponents had been singling out Fernandes, particularly in the aftermath of his injury sustained in the Fulham match. He holds the viewpoint that referees should do more to safeguard the United captain from such targeting.
In fact, Fernandes has only been fouled once in the Nottingham Forest game and not at all by Fulham. It has also been brought to light that there are 110 players who have been fouled more frequently than Fernandes in the Premier League this season. The Portuguese midfielder has endured a total of 18 fouls. In contrast, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, the most-fouled player in the league this season, has been fouled 78 times.
Despite the fouls on Fernandes, the opposing player has only received two yellow cards. This raises concerns regarding whether Fernandes is receiving appropriate protection from referees. Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew, the second most-fouled player in the league this season, has seen opponents receive only six yellow cards for the 76 fouls committed against him, suggesting a potential lack of protection from referees.
This Sunday, Manchester United will confront their local rivals, Manchester City, at the Etihad Stadium. The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League at 3pm, with the kick-off scheduled for 3.30pm.
As the matter of player protection continues to be a prominent subject of discussion in the Premier League, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will address the concerns articulated by Erik ten Hag and take measures to guarantee the safety and equitable treatment of all players on the field.