Ally McCoist expects Bruno Fernandes to ‘flourish’ with one major change, but it leaves Man United with a problem
Bruno Fernandes is already Man United’s main man, but he could rocket to an even higher level should Ruben Amorim make one rather bold move.
Fernandes turned down three offers from Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window, choosing to stay at Old Trafford ahead of the 2026 World Cup over in America, Mexico, and Canada.
The talented playmaker turned 31 on Monday, 8 September, with the player now in his seven season with Man United, where he has notched 99 goals and 83 assists in 294 appearances.
He is also an esteemed figure at international level, having now won 81 caps for Portugal.
Despite playing such a huge role, not just for Amorim, but under every manager since his arrival, Fernandes has had his captaincy questioned due to his antics on the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes could excel without the Man United captaincy
That concern has been raised once again during a conversation between Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist.
“Should he be captain? That’s the question. Would he flourish even more if he wasn’t captain?” Stelling asked McCoist while debating over the Man United star on talksport (8 September).
McCoist replied: “Maybe. In true Joe Root style, you mean? I get it. But the obvious question would be, ‘Who are you giving it to?’
“Is he the most suitable for that role currently? Probably. I don’t get the criticism of him, really. Some of it is really over the top.”
Who else could become Ruben Amorim’s captain at Old Trafford?
It is fair to say that, out of the current options, Fernandes is likely the best option for the Red Devils, given his consistency on the pitch, even when the team are at their worst.
Man United do not want to sell Harry Maguire, and he used to wear the captain’s armband. However, with a diminishing number of minute on the pitch, it would not make sense to reinstate him.
Casemiro and Matthijs de Ligt have shown signs of leadership on the pitch, but with Fernandes being an overall commanding voice for United, it seems unlikely that Amorim would make such a decision right now.
After three matches, his side are sitting ninth in the Premier League table, and after their embarrassing 2024/25 campaign, the manager will be in no mood for further problems behind the scenes this term.