Manchester United won late on Wednesday, but off-the-field issues have once again dominated the headlines.
Manchester United’s triumph against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday secured a quarter-final FA Cup fixture with Liverpool, but it was what transpired after the final whistle that drew the most attention.
Erik ten Hag claimed Forest players were after captain Bruno Fernandes, who was seen limping out of the stadium after full-time. He was a doubt for the game after picking up a knock against Fulham on Saturday.
United have taken issue with Fulham’s social media team’s choice to post a mocking TikTok video of the 29-year-old dropping to the ground following a tackle and staying down before rapidly rising to his feet to resume the attacking phase.
Fulham have yet to reply to United’s anger, but Ten Hag expects an apology. But Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has denied that his players were encouraged to be violent with Fernandes during Wednesday’s FA Cup clash.
I didn’t see what Erik saw.
Fernandes, who has yet to miss a United game due to injury, played all 90 minutes. Ten Hag stated after full-time: “You saw that Forest was targeting him. I’m not saying what it is, but it was a significant injury.
“He had a bad injury, yet he remained to play on Saturday and fought to be a part of this game. “He has an extremely high pain threshold.”
BBC Sport brought the comments up with Forest manager Santo, who responded: “I don’t think so; I didn’t see what Erik saw. Fernando is a very talented player. He has to be controlled. We accomplished it in a reasonable manner.”
According to MEN Sport, Ten Hag expects opposing players to try to pin Fernandes down, but his words suggest Forest went a step further. Such statements require sufficient proof to be justified.
Fernandes hobbling out of the City Ground is insufficient proof, given that he entered the game with a knock. Any absence from Sunday’s Manchester derby will be due to the fact that he played a full match just four days after receiving his injury, rather than the harshness of Forest players.
Cole says United should sign Toney.
Former striker Andy Cole feels United should try to sign Ivan Toney, who is expected to leave Brentford this summer. Cole thinks such a move would be contingent on United’s summer transfer priorities.
He told The Winners Enclosure: “I admire Ivan; if he came to Manchester United, would he do a job? He absolutely would.
“It all depends on what the transfer fee will be but for me personally, I believe Ivan would be a good signing for Manchester United if they make a move for him and he will definitely help [Rasmus] Hojlund.”
According to MEN Sport, United are unlikely to consider acquiring another costly striker after spending £72 million on Hojlund last August. With Arsenal and possibly Chelsea in the running, his price will surely rise, which United cannot afford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is dealing with Financial Fair Play restraints this summer, while other parts of the squad require more immediate attention, particularly at centre-back.
