Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United are not having a good time at the moment. A disastrous 3-0 win to Manchester City opened a new source of controversy in the club, and both manager Erik Ten Hag and Bruno are at the center of it.
As Erik is being constantly criticized for some of his decisions in recent days, his decision to pick Fernandes as his captain is also being put into question. And the club is now regretting not following through on a past decision.
Bruno Fernandes captaincy under fire after Derby defeat
The Manchester Derby was a reminder of the poor performances of the club, and the manager, captain Bruno Fernandes, is also taking some heat. Ahead of the start of the new season, he was given the captain’s armband after it was taken away from ex-captain Harry Maguire.
Bruno usually sort of gives up in matches that already look lost, and it has been a common trend of his in his time at United. He is seen waving his hands around and often moaning and berating his teammates. Instead of motivating his players, he often does the opposite, and that is not a good trait in a leader.
Roy Keane, an iconic captain of the Red Devils during their successful period in the 1990s, spoke about the issue after the game. He believed that Bruno did not have what it takes to wear the captain’s armband, especially at a club like United.
He said, “I would definitely take the captaincy off Bruno Fernandes. He is the opposite of what I would want in a captain.”
“He is a talented player no doubt about it. But what I saw today – we’ve discussed many times before, it was last season at Liverpool – his whining, his moaning and throwing his arms up in the air constantly.”
Fernandes’ style halted United’s plans with Maddison
Amid all the controversy around Bruno, another decision of the club has been under fire. It has been revealed that James Maddison who now plays for Tottenham was close to joining the Red Devils instead. He left Leicester City as the got relegated and was up for grabs for everyone. In the end, Tottenham paid the £40 million required to get him.
The England international has been in good form this season, with 3 goals and 5 assists to his name. He has helped Tottenham stay top of the Premier League and unbeaten as well. United would certainly have done well with an energetic and creative player like him.
But according to Manchester Evening News, United did consider the signing of Maddison but backed out of it as they deemed the player to be too similar in playing style to Bruno Fernandes. While Bruno has always performed well for United, having Maddison even as a backup would have been beneficial. It will remain as a regret for the club.
Whatever the case, United have to prepare for their next game, which is against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup on Thursday. Bruno Fernandes will have many eyes on him and he will take into consideration that his leadership could be taken away.
