Former Liverpool and Blackburn midfielder Jason McAteer has criticised Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes for his performance and his attitude this season.
Fernandes has played in all of United’s Premier League games this season and so far has just one assist to show for it after seven league matches.
His last appearance came in Manchester United’s 0-0 draw against Aston Villa during which the higher-ups at the club were assessing the team’s performance to make a decision on Erik Ten Hag’s future.
Bruno was almost silent in the game apart from one free-kick attempt that clattered off the crossbar. The United captain hasn’t had his best start to the season considering the high standards that he sets himself.
Jason McAteer says he has been the biggest disappointment in the league this season. He told Gambling Zone: “I think Bruno Fernandes is a fantastic talent, he’s just in the wrong environment. I want to see more from him and more maturity from him. Manchester United are in turmoil right now and you need your captain to demonstrate proper leadership in these types of situations.
“I’m really disappointed in Bruno Fernandes’ contributions in games and how he’s behaved. That’s not how a Manchester United captain should be showing his attributes or behaving.
“His attitude and performances, considering the role he has at a giant of a football club in Manchester United, have been the biggest disappointment for me in the Premier League this season.”
Should Manchester United pick a different captain?
There has always been criticism for Erik Ten Hag’s choice of Bruno Fernandes as captain due to the Portuguese international’s attitude when things aren’t going his way.
However, in the consistent starting XI, there aren’t many more players who are either more experienced or have been at United for a sustained period of time.
The only other name it leaves is striker Marcus Rashford who’s performances have also been poor in recent weeks, so is Bruno Fernandes really the best option.
He has been captain at United since July 2023 with his predecessor being Harry Maguire who has been unable to get a consistent run in the first team.
