In the video shared by Fulham, Fernandes was depicted going to the ground after a challenge from midfielder Sasa Lukic around 25 yards out from the goal. The Portuguese was seen gesturing for a free-kick after falling, but when his appeals were disregarded by the referee, he got back on his feet and resumed play. United issued an official statement to Fulham's savage video and now a fuming Ten Hag has not only condemned Fulham's actions but also labelled them as "out of order."

Speaking to reporters, Ten Hag said: "I didn’t know this, but if they did it, I would say it is not right. 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."

When Ten Hag was further pressed to rate Fernandes' professionalism, the manager lavished praise on the club skipper and hailed him for his exemplary leadership qualities.

"Highly, very highly (rating Fernandes' professionalism)," the Dutchman stated.

"First of all for his football skills, he is so creative, in the final third, creating chances, an absolutely key player. He can score a goal but also his output, his contribution in defending, reading the situation, reading the press but also be an example by running and running in the right moments. He is absolutely [a case of] leadership by example.”