Stars ‘in Man United dressing room’ have rejected sacred role – ‘Ferdinand is right’, says pundit
“Petulant” Bruno Fernandes should not be Man United captain but multiple stars “in the dressing room” are saying they don’t want the sacred role.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie slammed the 29-year-old for giving away “stupid” fouls and failing to galvanise the under-pressure squad.
Fernandes has faced wide criticism for his on-field antics, including frequent complaining to referees, amid the Red Devils’ declining form and was given the armband by manager Erik ten Hag in July.
The Portuguese international has been one of United’s standout players since he arrived at Old Trafford in 2020, scoring 69 goals and providing 59 assists in 208 appearances in all competitions.
McAvennie claimed Man United will need Fernandes’ talents this season if they want to change their fortunes, but urged him to switch up his attitude.
“Man United are a soft touch at the moment,” he told Football Insider.
“People aren’t scared of them. I’m not sure why they’re messing about with the captain Fernandes – he should not be captain.
“He’s a petulant kid. Every time something happens to him he throws his toys out of the pram.
“I think he needs to channel that energy into something else and pull his teammates out of the hold that they’re in.
“I heard Rio Ferdinand say that he doesn’t know why anyone would want the captain’s armband at Man United – and he’s right!
“There will be a couple in the Man United dressing room saying that they don’t want it.
“But with Bruno, when you’re that petulant and you’re just jumping up and down and all that – he’s like a wee boy.
“No doubt he’s talented, but being the captain of Man United means something.
“He’s a good player but he should be concentrating on his own game and not giving away stupid fouls and getting booked.
“They’re going to need him for their run-in.”
In other news, Revealed: What Man United plan to do about sacking Erik ten Hag if they lose to Liverpool.