Erik ten Hag revealed he has held talks with Bruno Fernandes about the need to control his emotions in games to avoid landing himself in trouble.
Fernandes was criticised for losing the plot in United's 7-0 mauling at Liverpool but atoned with a man-of-the-match display in Thursday's 4-1 win over Real Betis. The Portuguese had a hand in two goals and scored himself, but could have been sent off for an ugly studs-up challenge on Claudio Bravo.
Ten Hag said he speaks to Fernandes regularly about the need to channel his passion in the right way - to ensure he does not cross a line and undermine his talent.
“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,” Ten Hag said of Fernandes. “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. But I'm very pleased with his captaincy, because he's given the team energy.
“He's not only given the physical output, the best of the whole team, but also running the right direction, coaching the team and leading the team in a tactical perspective.”
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Ten Hag hailed Fernandes - who had his suitability as United skipper called into question after his Anfield meltdown - for answering his critics with his display against Betis.
“I think he showed a big personality by giving this performance and leading the team, so it was brilliant,” said Ten Hag. “I think he has so much skill and now is scoring with his head from a corner.
“He scores with his right, with his left, with his head and he's creating with final passes. Of course, he's very happy when he scores a goal, because that’s important. Then you can celebrate and he did that together with his fans.”
