After the 7-0 loss to Liverpool in the Premier League last weekend at Anfield, Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has stated the team captain’s inspiration in getting the players back on track.

Erik Ten Hag has praised Bruno Fernandes for his leadership skills and the ability to inspire his team after such an embarrassing loss to a rival. The Portuguese has been in the eye of the storm after appearing to push the referee in Sunday’s 7-0 defeat at Anfield stadium.

Even though several people have demanded that he be stripped of the captain’s armband, has insisted that he is the right man for the leadership mantle at the club and he will not be stripped of his captaincy.

“He is playing a brilliant season. He has played a big role in us being where we are. Everyone makes mistakes, and we learn. I have to learn, and he will as well. He is intelligent. I’m really pleased he is our player, and he is captain when Harry (Maguire) is not playing.” Ten Hag said.

The criticism has come from media, supporters, and even ex-footballers, including former Manchester United skipper and defender Gary Neville.

Liverpool ran out 7-0 winners courtesy of a brace each from Darwin Nunez, Coady Gakpo, and Mohamed Salah before substitutes Roberto Firmino added the seventh and final goal in the final stages of the game.

The result is Manchester United’s joint heaviest defeat and Liverpool’s biggest win ever against their rivals. Nevertheless, Manchester United remain in third position on the Premier League table, albeit they are now nine points away from Manchester City, who sits in second and 14 points away from table-topping Arsenal.

Liverpool, on their part, are now on a three-match unbeaten streak, winning two of their last three games has seen them move closer to the UEFA Champions League spots.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu