‘I can understand’ - Fulham boss Marco Silva throws support behind Erik ten Hag amid Bruno Fernandes social media storm as he brands Man Utd star ‘a top professional’

Fulham's social media account posted a video that mocked Fernandes for going down following a tackle from Sasa Lukic, pleading for a free-kick and then getting up to continue the match during last week's Premier League clash between the two teams at Old Trafford. United issued a statement in response to the video and Ten Hag subsequently demanded an apology from the Cottagers.

Fulham boss Silva was asked on Friday about his United counterpart's reaction to the post and he is sympathetic to the Dutchman's stance. He said: "Ten Hag defends his player, I can understand that. When a manager defends one football player, I think it's a normal situation, I think if it's one of our players I am going to defend him until the last."

The Portuguese coach was also full of praise for Fernandes, saying: "He is the captain of Man United, he is a player I know really well and he is a top player, he is a top professional. You are not a Man United captain if you don't have all the package to be in the same box to be a Man United captain and to be so important."

Fulham went on to claim the three points away at United last week, taking the lead through Calvin Bassey midway through the second half. Harry Maguire popped up with an equaliser for the Red Devils after 89 minutes but Alex Iwobi fired in a stoppage time winner for the visiting team.

Fulham sit 12th in the Premier League and will hope to build on last week's win when they host Brighton on Saturday. United face a much more daunting task a day later when they visit reigning champions Manchester City.