Graeme Souness claims Bruno Fernandes is not cut out for the captaincy role because he wouldn’t trust the Portuguese midfielder ‘in the trenches’ of a Premier League battle.
I’ve heard Souness come out with some crap, but this really takes the biscuit.
Fernandes has been ever-present for United in what has been a fantastic first season for Erik ten Hag. On top of that, it’s clear to see that he is one of the manager’s most trusted players.
With Harry Maguire losing his place in the team at the start of the season, Fernandes has filled the voice as captain. I think most United fans would be happy with how he has carried out the role.
Maguire’s future is up in the air, which means Ten Hag is likely to appoint a new captain in the summer. Fernandes is a favourite to take on the responsibility full time.
It should be noted that Fernandes one singled out for heavy criticism after the 7-0 defeat to Liverpool earlier this season, but none of the United players performed well that day. Singling anyone out that day seems crazy.
“His attitude when they went 3-0 down at Liverpool was appalling,” Souness told William Hill’s Up Front With Simon Jordan podcast. “You certainly would not want to be in the trenches with him. When you become a captain of a football team it’s about setting an example on the pitch and off it.
“In the case of Bruno, you’ll see him be a star when you’re on top of the opposition and on the front foot, and he can be a real talent, but he showed a side to him that day at Anfield which was very unattractive.
“Erik ten Hag has then chosen to overlook it because he knows going forward that Bruno will win him games and score goals. But he’ll think, the next time he comes up against a really difficult situation, is he going to go missing? I think he already knows the answer to that.”
I’d trust Ten Hag’s judgement over Souness. Wouldn’t you?
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