Erik Ten Hag hailed Bruno Fernandes as an “example” for other players to follow after playing through pain in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Thursday.
Fernandes was a doubt for the game because of an ankle injury but started the game and set up Marcus Rashford for United’s second goal.
And Ten Hag says Fernandes proved he is a “great captain” by battling to play against Spurs.
“It was tough,” he said.
“Big compliment to Bruno. He absolutely doesn’t want to miss this game, and he did everything to get fit.
“I think he is the example that you have to suffer, that you have to sacrifice, when you want to play at the top level, when you want to achieve something.
“So once again he showed how great a captain he is. How he has taken responsibility, even when he is not 100% fit. But he did the job, he was important in this game as well.
“Hopefully others in the team can… not learn, but they see him as an inspiration and do the same.”
Embed from Getty ImagesUnited are currently fourth in the Premier League table with seven games left to play, but face a crucial game against sixth-placed Aston Villa on Sunday.
And Ten Hag knows a top-four finish is essential for United this season.
“At Man United, a top team, you have to compete and go for the win in every competition you are in,” he said.
“That’s what we are doing, that is the culture we want to construct. That has to be in the mindset of every player and every employee who is working for Manchester United.”
