Why Erik ten Hag's claim that Bruno Fernandes is targeted by defenders is far from the truth

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag begs referees to protect Bruno Fernandes more.

Erik ten Hag is calling for the refs to step up their game when it comes to protecting Man Utd's main man, Bruno Fernandes. However, despite the outcry, statistics show that Bruno isn't even close to being the Premier League's most targeted player this season. 

With over 110 players fouled more than him and 213 players getting knocked around more frequently per 90 minutes, the numbers tell a different story.

Ten Hag's Protective Stance

United boss Ten Hag snapped after Fernandes was grabbed by the throat by Nottingham Forest player Felipe in an FA Cup game on Wednesday and the defender went unpunished. 

“You see opponents targeting him, especially after Saturday when he had the knock and they see it. Then I feel the refereeing should protect him,'" Ten Hag vented, spotlighting the rough treatment Fernandes received.

The Reality on the Field

But let's look at the cold, hard facts. According to Sky Sports, Bruno Fernandes was only fouled once in the Nottingham Forest clash and not a single time against Fulham. When you stack that up against the Premier League's most-fouled player, Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes, who's been fouled 78 times, it's clear Fernandes isn't the main target out there.

Even Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew, sitting in second place with 76 fouls against him, has more to complain about with just six yellow cards dished out for his troubles. Meanwhile, Fernandes has seen the opposition get booked twice out of his 18 fouls.

Ten Hag might be fierce in his defence of Fernandes, especially after the midfielder was involved in the play that secured United's spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals, even with an injury. 

Yet, the stats suggest that while Fernandes might be feeling the heat, he's not alone, and he's not at the top of the list when it comes to needing extra protection on the pitch.

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