Erik ten Hag will be left with the obvious choice of appointing Bruno Fernandes as the next Manchester United captain if Tottenham complete a move for Red Devils skipper Harry Maguire in the summer. The Portuguese star is United’s vice-captain and has been filling in for Maguire during his absence from the first team.
There had been concerns over whether Fernandes was fit to wear the armband after his emotional outburst during United’s humiliating 7-0 loss to Liverpool in the league last season. Fernandes was seen moaning and throwing his hands up in the air when he should have been lifting his side.
United icons Robbie Keane and Gary Neville were not impressed by his theatrics. “Fernandes’ body language today was nothing short of disgraceful,” said Keane. “A really talented boy, he’s your captain, but his body language, waving his arms, not running back, you wouldn’t be happy with him in your dressing room.”
Gary Neville added: “Bruno Fernandes is stood in the centre circle with his arms raised asking‘Why is it me not coming off?’ Honestly, I have to say some of his behaviour in the second half has been a disgrace.
“The second half has been an absolute disgrace, a shambles. Epitomised by no one more than the captain Bruno Fernandes, who I think has been embarrassing at times in this game.”
However, Ten Hag chose to stick by his player. When asked whether Fernandes would remain in his role in the immediate aftermath of the game, the Reds manager replied: “Yes, definitely. He’s playing a brilliant season, he’s had a really important role in why we’re in the position where we are he’s giving energy to the team, not only running a lot at the highest intensity but the right way and right direction.
“He’s coaching players, he’s an inspiration, but no-one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, we have to learn, he has to learn, he will because he’s intelligent. I’m happy to have Bruno Fernandes in the team and that he’s captain when Harry isn’t on the pitch.”
Many critics had suggested that Marcus Rashford would be a better fit as vice-captain but the Englishman was quick to back Fernandes as well, and described his teammate as a ‘good leader’. With the backing of his manager and the players it is likely Fernandes will be promoted to first-choice captain providing Spurs snap up Maguire.
It is understood that the north Londoners are open to entertaining the idea of swapping Harry Kane for Maguire plus cash this summer as they look to strengthen their backline.
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