Dismayed Man Utd issue response to Fulham's savage TikTok video that brutally mocked Bruno Fernandes amid social media 'dive' storm as Erik ten Hag praises captain for battling through injury pain in TWO matches

Fernandes was widely mocked in the traditional media and on social media for his reaction to a tackle by Sasa Lukic during the 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham last Saturday. Fernandes went down in a heap after contact from Lukic but got up soon after and continued the match. Fulham's official TikTok account had helped fuelled some of the reaction by posting 'Hope he's OK' below a replay of the incident. However, United have stated that Fernandes suffered a serious injury following the contact with Lukic but played through the pain to finish the game.

A club source said: "Most players would have been substituted and missed the next game. Bruno stayed on until the final whistle, in order to first try and win the game, and then try and salvage a point. He then fought to be available for Forest last night [Wednesday], playing through the pain to do so, and providing the assist for the late winner. Far from evidence of histrionics, this episode has been evidence of Bruno’s dedication, resilience and leadership by example."

Fernandes set up Harry Maguire's equaliser against Fulham and nearly scored a winner before Alex Iwobi snatched victory for the visitors. Fernandes overcame the injury to play in the FA Cup fifth round tie at Nottingham Forest, where he set up Casemiro's 89th-minute winner.

Erik ten Hag had launched a staunch defence of Fernandes after the Forest game, lashing out at the "pathetic" reaction and praising his captain for continuing to play despite the pain.

The Portuguese is likely to start again for United in the derby against Manchester City on Sunday, with Ten Hag missing many key players including Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund and Harry Maguire.