Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will keep his role as Manchester United captain, despite coming in for criticism for his second-half performance in the 7-0 thrashing at Anfield.
Fernandes appeared to lose control of his emotions as Liverpool ran riot on Sunday, pushing the linesman out of the way at one stage, holding his face after being pushed in the chest by Ibrahima Konate and giving up after failing to trip Stefan Bajcetic.
Gary Neville slammed Fernandes' conduct as "embarrassing" and there have been calls to strip the captaincy from the Portuguese midfielder.
READ MORE: Ten Hag has already shown how he will react to Liverpool collapse
But Ten Hag confirmed that Fernandes would remain the captain when Harry Maguire doesn't start games and praised his role in United's success this season, which has included a first trophy in six years.
The Dutchman described Fernandes as someone who 'inspires' teammates but said he will learn from his meltdown during United's dishevelled second half at Anfield.
"He’s playing a brilliant season, he’s had a really important role in why we’re in the position where we are, because he’s giving energy to the team, not only running a lot and at the highest intensity but the right way and right direction," Ten Hag said.
"He’s pointing and coaching players, he’s an inspiration for the whole team, but no one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, we have to learn, I have to learn.
"He has to learn, he will because he’s intelligent, I’m happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and that he’s captain when Harry isn’t on the pitch."
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