Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag hit back at Nottingham Forest for targeting Bruno Fernandes in a 1-0 FA Cup win, while lauding the midfielder and defender Raphael Varane for playing despite injury in the fifth-round tie.
Varane and Fernandes, who faced injury concerns, featured the full 90 minutes in United's win at Forest on Wednesday.
Fernandes, who survived several strong tackles from Forest players while also being grabbed by the neck by defender Felipe, assisted Casemiro for the 89th-minute winner.
Questioned about the Portugal international's fitness, Ten Hag told reporters: "You saw that Forest were targeting him. There were many fouls on him and you see when he is getting the ball, they are really tight on him.
"I was very happy Rapha fought to play this game and also Bruno. He had a very bad injury as well. He fought to be part of this game."
Ten Hag said that Fernandes was unfairly criticised on social media for appearing to fake injury in the loss to Fulham, saying the midfielder was seriously injured.
"He has a serious injury, he continued to play on Saturday and now also he fought to be part of this game. He has a very high pain threshold...," the Dutchman added.
"When you see that maybe they criticise him on social media, it's pathetic. It can't be."
