Fernandes was surprisingly substituted in the 79th minute of Saturday's clash, being replaced by Scott McTominay. United went on to lose the game 2-1, as Joao Pedro scored a last-minute winner, and Fernandes has now been accused of "laughing" at his manager while he sat on the bench.

The change saw United move to a more defensive shape, and they struggled to create anything after the Portugal international had been withdrawn. Ian Wright has shared his confusion at exactly why ten Hag made the decision to substitute Fernandes, while suggesting the midfielder's body language indicated he was equally baffled.

The Arsenal legend said on his Wrighty's House podcast: “A lot of things happened in that game that I just couldn’t understand or see happening.

“Like I can’t understand why he took Bruno off and went so defensive. Why are you taking him off?

“When he [Fernandes] ran off, he was actually smiling and laughing. He was like, 'what the f*ck? I can’t believe this guy.'

“That’s the vibe I got from it. If anyone is going to win a game for you it’s Bruno Fernandes.”

Ten Hag may well have attempted to keep Fernandes fresh ahead of this weekend's clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford. It remains to be seen if it has a positive effect, as the gamble failed to pay off on Saturday.