After scoring the game-winning goal against Fulham, Erik ten Hag praised Bruno Fernandes as a “example” to Manchester United players.

Fernandes scored the game’s sole goal in the 91st minute at Craven Cottage, putting an end to United’s two-game losing streak.

Following United’s derby loss to City last week, United icon Roy Keane criticized Fernandes’ captaincy and suggested he be stripped of it.

Ten Hag praised Fernandes, who has scored the winning goal in three of United’s six Premier League victories this season.

“So often already, from the moment I make him captain, he did this,” Ten Hag said. “Always when he’s playing he is giving energy, he is the example and you see the way he is pressing, the way he is counter-pressing, the way he is doing the recovery, he is absolutely the example.

And he is taking responsibility all the time on and off the pitch and scoring important goals, for instance. But he also wants to have the ball, wants to create so I’m happy with my captain.”

United’s Premier League victories have all been by a single goal this season, but the result took precedent over the performance following a trying week.

On Wednesday, United travel to Copenhagen for their fourth meeting in the Champions League group stage before hosting Luton Town the following Saturday before of the November internationals.

“It’s a good win, a solid performance,” Ten Hag added. “Every game, we have to win. I think it was a solid performance, I am pleased with it, I am pleased with the spirit of the team and the way we pressed against Fulham.

They play very decent football from the back and we never allowed that, we were very good in the pressing and winning second balls, and ball progressing but it’s clear in the box we have to create more.

And I think the composure on the ball was a step up.”