Manchester United gear up to tackle Fulham tonight (Friday) as the new Premier League season kicks off, but last time they locked horns at Old Trafford, the encounter was steeped in controversy.
The Cottagers pulled off a stunning upset by beating Man Utd 2-1 in their own backyard back in February. Yet it wasn't just the shock result that was the talk of the town, but also a cheeky TikTok video posted by Fulham mocking United skipper Bruno Fernandes for what they suggested was an exaggerated fall during the game.
The questionable post involved an amusing background tune accompanying footage of Fernandes looking greatly distressed following an interaction with Fulham's Sasa Lukic, highlighted by a tongue-in-cheek caption claiming "so glad he's ok". In light of this, United gaffer Erik ten Hag urged the London club to issue an apology, labelling their antics "totally out of order", reports the Mirror.
Fulham boss Marco Silva acknowledged Ten Hag's protective stance over his player, admitting he would act similarly if his own were accused of simulation. Yet, Silva fell short of expressing the regret Ten Hag had sought.
Following the viral TikTok post, Ten Hag made no bones about demanding amends, and stated emphatically: "It is absolutely not right that a club makes such a statement because it is totally out of order and wrong and they should apologise for this."
The United boss also defended Fernandes and called for more protection for the Portuguese star from referees. The Dutchman also praised Fernandes as one of the most professional players he's worked with amid claims that opponents are targeting him.
The spotlight then shifted to Fulham and their manager Marco Silva, who was expected to apologise after a controversial video posted by Fulham's media team. Silva addressed the issue, stating it was "normal" for Ten Hag to defend his player but didn't offer an apology.
"I am not a big fan of social media but as you would expect I am aware of this," Silva said. "It was a reaction from Ten Hag. When a manager defends a football player I think it is a normal situation. With one of our players, I am going to defend them to the last."
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The 47-year-old acknowledged the intense emotions that can arise following a match and expressed his readiness to back his own players in similar circumstances. He also commended Fernandes, echoing Ten Hag's sentiments, by calling him a top professional and a quality player.
"For a manager in that moment, if you say to me that 10 minutes ago if any club said something about my player, I am going to defend my player even if I haven't seen it. That is the situation," Silva said. Regarding Fernandes, he added: "He is a top quality player and a top professional. You are not a Manchester United captain if you don't have all the whole package."
Fulham's manager couldn't help but deliver a sly dig however, suggesting the TikTok video saga garnered attention solely because it targeted a giant like Manchester United. He insinuated that a similar incident at a smaller club like Fulham wouldn't have stirred a media frenzy.
"Ten Hag defends his player. I can understand that. All the other noise around and all that stuff comes because it is Man United. I understand everything it is because it is Manchester United," he said. "If it were Marco Silva reacting in one way, it would probably be finished in 10 seconds after."
Tonight marks the first clash between United and Fulham since the notorious TikTok episode, with the teams locking horns at Old Trafford to kick off the Premier League season.
