Erik ten Hag has been told he should relieve Bruno Fernandes of the Manchester United captaincy to help free up his star player.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Former Newcastle and Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew believes that the Portugal international, who signed a new contract with the Red Devils last month, may be burdened by the armband. The skipper, like his teammates, had a difficult outing against Liverpool.
Fernandes was named captain of Erik ten Hag’s side at the beginning of the 2023/24 season, taking on the responsibility from Harry Maguire. The former Sporting CP star led the team through a difficult year but did end the term by raising the FA Cup.
The 29-year-old midfielder could not help Manchester United avoid defeat at Old Trafford against Liverpool, with the Red Devils enduring a stuttering start to another season. Pardew reckons that United’s struggles against Arne Slot’s team meant that Fernandes could not lead effectively.
“Today, it was never Fernandes because they (United) never had the ball enough,” Pardew told talkSPORT. “Defensively, he’s not been called upon. How can he lead the team? It’s a very difficult one for him.
“I actually think it would be better for him as a footballer to take it off him. I think it might free him up a bit, let him be a bit more free-minded. He’s probably worrying about the back four, worrying about the wingers. You don’t really know how to deal with it. I don’t know, I think it’s a hamper to him.”
Pardew added that choosing technical players to wear the armband can be problematic. The 63-year-old ex-Crystal Palace and Charlton player highlighted that such players can have difficult matches which inhibits their ability to lead.
Manchester United slumped to a heavy defeat vs Liverpool
“You’ve got your skipper out there, you’ve got a technical skipper, when you’ve got a technician as a skipper, I think it’s always dangerous because they’re going to have off games.
“Even (Christian) Eriksen in his prime, (Michel) Platini in his prime, they’d have the off day. They were technical players.”
Fernandes has seen his leadership questioned by the likes of Paul Ince and Roy Keane, and hit back when asked about the criticism during a press conference last term. He said: “I have to deal with that. I understand that the tough part is always coming after the first games, when results and performances aren’t always as they should be.
“I know my numbers when I came made me a target. My focus is on the team, on the staff, on those who work with me day-by-day. The way I am it has not changed by being the captain. I am really open with everyone. I have to keep the same way….CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLE>>>
