The caption that accompanied the post said: “So glad to see he’s ok,” which infuriated Old Trafford officials. United felt the clip showed Fernandes’ willingness to play through pain rather than any histrionics. The club are also of the view that Fulham’s video highlights how Fernandes soldiered on to finish the game and also played the full 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night, despite still suffering the effects of the knock.

Ten Hag said after the FA Cup at the City Ground that Fernandes’ coverage on social media has been ‘pathetic’ and was pushed further on the matter ahead of the Manchester derby.

Asked about Fulham’s post, Ten Hag said: “So I didn’t know this but if they did it I would say it is not right. It is absolutely not right that a club makes such statement because it is totally out of order and wrong and they should apologise for this.

“I thought it was definitely on Saturday a foul and really misjudged from media, from social media, to blame him. That was my point yesterday and opponents are targeting him and that is not right,” he added. “There were fouls on him even after the ball was kicked away.

“He is a very passionate football player and a very creative one,” Ten Hag continued, when asked about Fernandes. “He has created the most chances in the Premier League. Opponents are targeting him and especially after Saturday when he had the knock and they see it and the referee should protect him there. It was so obvious they were looking for him.”