Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is facing calls to remove Bruno Fernandes as the club’s captain. Former Premier League manager and professional footballer Alan Pardew has publicly advised that the Portuguese midfielder should be relieved of his captaincy duties, citing concerns over his emotional control and leadership on the pitch.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Pardew expressed his opinion that Fernandes, despite being one of Manchester United’s standout players, may not be the right fit for the role of team captain. He argued that the qualities needed in a skipper go beyond technical ability, emphasizing that emotional control and consistency in leading the team are crucial traits for any captain.
“You’ve got your skipper out there. You’ve got a technical skipper, but when you’ve got a technician as a skipper, I think it’s always dangerous because they’re going to have off games,” Pardew said.
In recent matches, Fernandes has drawn criticism for his emotional reactions during difficult moments, raising questions about his ability to lead the team effectively, especially in high-pressure situations. Pardew further elaborated on the challenges of having a technically gifted player like Fernandes as captain, explaining that such players can sometimes struggle when the game doesn’t go in their favor.
“Even (Christian) Eriksen in his prime, (Michel) Platini in his prime, they’d have the off day. They were technical players,” Pardew noted, suggesting that these players’ influence wanes when they are not at their best technically. In particular, Fernandes’ performance during Manchester United’s high-profile clash with Liverpool came under scrutiny.
Pardew commented on Fernandes’ contribution during the match, pointing out that United struggled to retain possession, limiting Fernandes’ impact on the game. “(Against Liverpool), it was never Fernandes because (United) never had the ball enough. Defensively, he’s not been called upon,” he said.
This inability to influence the game in other aspects, such as defensively or through leadership in difficult times, is what Pardew believes makes Fernandes unsuitable for the captaincy. According to the former manager, Fernandes’ role as a technical player often leaves him less capable of handling the broader responsibilities expected from a team captain.
“How can he lead the team? It’s a very difficult one for him,” Pardew remarked, indicating that Fernandes may not be able to provide the leadership needed, particularly in tough matches where his technical skills alone are not enough to turn the tide.
Pardew went on to suggest that removing the captaincy from Fernandes might actually benefit the midfielder’s performance. He believes that the burden of captaincy could be hindering Fernandes’ ability to focus solely on his football, potentially limiting his effectiveness as a player.
“I actually think it would be better for him as a footballer to take it off him,” Pardew concluded.
The debate over Fernandes’ suitability as Manchester United captain comes at a time when the club is struggling to find consistent form under Erik ten Hag. After a promising start to the season, United have endured a mixed run of results, with performances often lacking the intensity and cohesion expected from a team of their stature. As the captain, Fernandes has naturally found himself at the center of discussions about the team’s leadership and mentality on the pitch.
Appointed as captain by Ten Hag following Harry Maguire’s demotion, Fernandes has led the team with his distinctive style, which includes high energy, technical prowess, and a passionate approach to the game. However, his emotional outbursts during matches, often directed at teammates, officials, or even himself, have led some to question whether he is the right figure to maintain calm and rally the team during challenging moments.
Pardew’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among some football analysts and fans that Manchester United may need a different type of leader—someone more composed and capable of maintaining emotional balance in high-pressure situations. While Fernandes’ passion and commitment to the club are unquestionable, the argument is that these qualities alone may not be enough to fulfill the demanding role of captain.
Ten Hag now faces a decision that could have significant ramifications for both Fernandes and the club. Stripping the Portuguese star of the captaincy would not only shift leadership responsibilities but could also send a strong message to the rest of the squad about the standards expected from their captain. On the other hand, retaining Fernandes as captain would demonstrate Ten Hag’s trust in his leadership abilities, despite the criticism.
As Manchester United look to stabilize their form and push for success in both domestic and European competitions, the role of the captain will be more crucial than ever. Whether Fernandes retains the armband or Ten Hag decides to make a change, the focus will remain on ensuring that the team has the leadership needed to navigate the challenges ahead.
For now, Fernandes continues to lead the Red Devils on the pitch, but with increasing scrutiny on his performances and leadership qualities, the pressure on both him and Ten Hag is mounting. How the situation unfolds will likely play a significant role in shaping Manchester United’s season and the long-term future of Fernandes at the club.
