Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is delighted with the form of his captain Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes was impressive for their FA Cup win at Nottingham Forest.

Asked where the midfielder ranks in players he's worked with, Ten Hag said: "Highly. Very highly. First of all, his football skills. He is so creative in that final third, creating chances. Absolutely, [he is a] key player in that final third and then also his output and contribution for defending jobs and then leading, reading a situation, reading the press but also being the example, by running and running in the right moments.

"Pointing to players around him. He is absolutely a leader by example."

He added: "So he is a very passionate football player and he is a very creative football player. He is creating the most chances in the Premier League. You see opponents are targeting him and, especially after Saturday, when he had a knock and they see it, then I feel the refereeing should protect him. They had the chance already in the start of the game because it was obvious they were looking for him."