Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has, on Saturday evening, revealed that a key member of his squad played through illness in the club’s latest outing.
United, of course, were back in action a short time ago.
Fresh off a trio of defeats either side of the international break, the Red Devils made the trip to Turf Moor, desperate for a return to winning ways in a Premier League meeting with Burnley.
And, when all was said and done, march on to a much-needed three points is precisely what Ten Hag and co. managed.
This came courtesy of a solitary moment of brilliance on the part of captain Bruno Fernandes.
Late in the first-half, after being played in by way of a gorgeous through ball from Jonny Evans, Fernandes struck a stunning first-time volley into the far corner of the Burnley net:
WHAT A FINISH FROM BRUNO FERNANDES! 🤩
Manchester United take the lead against Burnley thanks to a brilliant assist from Jonny Evans and an even better finish from Bruno! pic.twitter.com/qMdAxzZGwO
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 23, 2023
Instead, this honour was reserved for another member of the Reds’ squad.
The player in question? Sergio Reguilon.
Left-back Reguilon was afforded a starting berth at Turf Moor, enjoying a solid night’s work before ultimately being hooked for Raphael Varane a little over ten minutes from time.
Speaking in the aftermath of his side’s victory, though, Erik ten Hag revealed that Reguilon was in fact a major doubt to even take to the pitch on Saturday.
This came with the Tottenham loanee having been suffering with a bout of illness:
“Reguilon was ill but he wanted to play,” Ten Hag revealed.
“It says something about his [Reguilon] character and spirit. He wanted to play and contribute.”
🚨🚨🎙️| Erik ten Hag: “It says something about his [Reguilon] character and spirit. He wanted to play and contribute.” https://t.co/Ycg17wrUCD
— centredevils. (@centredevils) September 23, 2023
