Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United captain questioned over handball incident - ‘He is not the bravest in the world’

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Manchester United's UEFA Europa League tie with Spanish side Real Sociedad hangs in the balance after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. However, Don Hutchison insists The Red Devils could be ahead were it not for a lack of bravery from their captain Bruno Fernandes. Martin Keown also believes that the midfielder was trying to protect himself when his arm made contact with the ball inside his own box.

Jose pretends to fall asleep and snores during lengthy question

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TNT Sports expert Don Hutchison questioned Bruno Fernandes' bravery after his handball gifted Real Sociedad a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League.

Joshua Zirkzee's first goal in Europe for The Red Devils put United in front, but Fernandes' error allowed Mikel Oyarzabal to rescue a point from the penalty spot.

Replays seemed to suggest that Fernandes put his hand into the path of the ball when he could have headed it away to safety.

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Hutchison believes that the Portuguese midfielder used his hand to avoid risking injury.

"I don't know what Martin [Keown] thinks, but I have been in this position before when you try to protect your own face," he said.

"Bruno Fernandes is going with his arm, he puts his arm and his hand in front of his face because he is not the bravest in the world.

"He is a very talented player but in that scenario where there is going to be contact, you could get an elbow in the face, it could be head on head.

"You could take a bit of a knock there. I think when you look back at that, Bruno could be braver."

The draw means the tie hangs in the balance ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford on March 13.

Martin Keown agreed with Hutchison's analysis, stating that Fernandes was trying to protect himself.

"I totally agree," said Keown. "He is trying to protect himself there.

"He does not want to get hurt and in the end they get a vital goal in this tie."

United started strong in Spain but were unable to maintain their momentum for the full 90 minutes.

Highlights: Man Utd pegged back by Real Sociedad amid Fernandes VAR drama

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By the end of the contest, the La Liga club were on top, limiting the visitors to just one shot in the final 33 minutes, and Keown believes that The Red Devils are in desperate need of some legs in midfield.

"I think that was a worry for Ruben Amorim, the way they sort of lost energy at the end of the match," said Keown. "He was already down to the bare bones with his squad.

"They had a few efforts from distance, but where are the midfield players? You have got to go and press.

"This is a continuing criticism of this team, that he does not seem to have enough bodies or enough legs in the middle of the park."

Zirkzee: United were unlucky

Zirkzee's finish means he now has six goals and two assists across 41 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

The Dutch forward felt his side were unlucky not to come away with an advantage from the first leg.

"There was more there for us I think tonight. I think we were unlucky with the penalty," he told TNT Sports after the match.

"I am not sure what happened there, but it just shows that we have to be relentless with our chances.

"I think we had enough for them today, but in the end we draw away and they have to come to Old Trafford.

"I think if you look at the chances and the opportunities we had I think yes [United should have come away with the win]. We're obviously playing against a good football team so it is not easy."

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