Ten Hag addresses Bruno Fernandes replacement issue ahead of Man Utd vs Liverpool

Erik ten Hag has remained tight-lipped about how he intends to replace Bruno Fernandes when Manchester United takes on Liverpool on Sunday.

Fernandes will miss the trip to Anfield because he is serving a one-game suspension. During last weekend’s 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth, the 29-year-old was shown his fifth yellow card of the season for dissent.

It means United will be without their captain and creator-in-chief for one of the most important games of the season, and there is no direct replacement for the No.10 position. Scott McTominay appears to be the obvious option to move forward, but Ten Hag refused to give too much away ahead of the game.

When asked who could replace Fernandes’ creative influence, the Reds manager told MUTV: “We have all sorts of people who can do that.” And, as I previously stated, we have ideas for how we can create opportunities.

“No, [the stand-in captain] is not a secret, but first I want to tell the player and the team who it is.”

United fans traveling to Anfield this afternoon will not have fond memories of the trip, having lost 4-0 and 7-0 the previous two times. After last season’s humiliating defeat, Ten Hag accused his players of being unprofessional and urged them to show their character this time around after a difficult few weeks.

“Well, character, as you say. That is exactly what we require,” he added. “But also, as you talk about character and belief and confidence, go there, and everyone knows it’s difficult there.”

“But it’s also great for a player or a team to go there and challenge them.” And we know we have to play our best football, but I believe that if we do everything we are capable of, we will be given our chances. Then it’s a matter of seizing those opportunities.”