Erik ten Hag was chastised by Roy Keane after the Manchester United manager applauded Bruno Fernandes for allowing Marcus Rashford to take a crucial penalty in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Everton.

Rashford scored his second goal of the season from the penalty spot at Goodison Park, extending United’s lead early in the second half. 

Following a VAR review, Ashley Young was found to have tripped Anthony Martial, and habitual penalty taker Fernandes was seen delivering the ball to the England striker. 

Ten Hag’s team took an early lead thanks to a fantastic overhead kick from Alejandro Garnacho, and Martial sealed the victory with his first goal since May. 

While the under-pressure United manager was quick to compliment Fernandes’ leadership abilities as his team closed in on a spot in the Champions League, former United captain Keane was less than delighted.

Following Manchester United’s 3-0 win against Everton, Roy Keane was underwhelmed by Erik ten Hag’s praise for Bruno Fernandes.

Ten Hag praised Fernandes’ leadership skills when he let Marcus Rashford take a penalty at Goodison Park.

Rashford stepped up and converted his second penalty of the season to extend United’s advantage.

‘He’s handing toffee out there to Bruno for passing on the ball for the penalty,’ he said on Sky Sports. Absolute bloody nonsense. That was absolute nonsense to say. Manchester United are now sixth in the Premier League; if you were sixth a few years ago, you’d be embarrassed.

‘However, they appear content with sixth. They’ve got a long way to go. Manchester United must compete with the greatest teams. Liverpool, [Manchester] City, and Arsenal are among them.

‘With the quality they have, it hasn’t been good enough. Look, they’re in a good position, but the reason you’re playing for Manchester United is to compete with the best.’ 

Despite Keane’s criticism, Ten Hag will be delighted that his team has won five of their last six Premier League games as they attempt to put a poor start to the season behind them. 

They now play Galatasaray in a crucial Champions League match in Istanbul on Wednesday, and the Dutchman was glad to see Rashford back on the scoresheet following his own disappointing start to the season. 

Ten Hag responded, ‘A lot,’ when asked how much Rashford needed his goal against Everton. You can also see how wonderful a captain Bruno is by recognizing that his teammate required that goal. Bruno will undoubtedly score, but he has faith in Rashy, who is an excellent penalty taker.

‘Take that ball and your confidence,’ says the coach. You need that leadership as a team. You back each other up, cover each other up, and give each other confidence because a successful season requires it.’

Fernandes was chosen Manchester United captain in the summer after Ten Hag deposed Harry Maguire.

Fernandes, who has also come under fire this season as a result of United’s problems in several competitions, said he had no reservations about giving Rashford the ball.

‘I felt Marcus needed a little of confidence, goals,’ he told Sky Sports. Marcus is also a great penalty taker. I am confident that he will score the penalty. It’s not about who takes it, but about scoring the penalty, which Marcus accomplished flawlessly.

‘Obviously, strikers and wingers want and need to score goals; it’s part of their game, and it gives you a boost. Marcus was unstoppable after the penalty; he could take on anyone. I believe that sometimes you need this chance, this opportunity to regain your confidence.

‘However, Marcus has been fantastic for us. Obviously, he was fantastic last season, so everyone’s expectations for this season were higher. It’s simply a matter of getting his goals back, and everyone will still think he’s world-class.