Bruno could be wingman in derby cup final

ERIK ten Hag saw it as the perfect time to round on Bruno Fernandes' critics, calling the condemnation of his ability as a captain 'crazy, but perhaps more interesting for the remainder of this season was his explanation of the role he played in United's win against Aston Villa.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

The censure Fernandes received for his leadership came following the 7-0 defeat by Liverpool, but Ten Hag clearly hasn't forgotten.

After playing through the pain barrier this week he was praising his energy, leadership and toughness.

It was Fernandes who scored the only goal of the game against Villa at Old Trafford but he did so from the right-hand side of the front three, having been picked to play in that role for the seventh time this season. With Antony and Anthony Martial on the bench, this was clearly a tactical ploy from Ten Hag.

That one of the previous occasions he used this approach was against the same opponents in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford suggested the Dutchman sees specific games as being ideal for Fernandes' skillset out wide, rather than in his central playmaking position.

His record from that position is good, with two goals and four assists, but the Portuguese playmaker offers so much more than just pure numbers when he is fielded on the right.

"He can play several roles, from that perspective you need players like Bruno to be successful," Ten Hag said at the weekend.