Man Utd stars 'concerned' over Bruno Fernandes' ability as captain

Stuart Telford

• 7 Mar 2023 09:31 GMT
• 3 min read

Bruno Fernandes' petulant display as Manchester United were thrashed 7-0 by Liverpool on Sunday has damaged his hopes of becoming Red Devils captain full time, according to reports.

Man Utd suffered their worst competitive defeat in nearly 100 years as they great rivals ran rampant at Anfield, the Reds hitting seven goals without reply.

Few would have predicted such a result before kick-off. Liverpool have endured their poorest season yet of Jurgen Klopp's seven-year reign, while United have looked resurgent under Erik ten Hag, winning the League Cup just last week.

READ: The 13 Man Utd players whose futures were plunged into doubt after 7-0 Liverpool drubbing

Fernandes, who led United out with club captain Harry Maguire absent, didn't seem to be able to handle what was happening.

The Portuguese had an obvious dive in the second-half, pushed linesman Adam Nunn in the back and went down the tunnel at full-time without acknowledging the travelling support.

United have 'reservations' about Fernandes

"Sources close to United have indicated there are reservations inside the United camp over whether Fernandes has the right attributes to take on the position," report the Daily Mail.

"Indeed, there is a feeling at United that [Raphael] Varane, David de Gea or Casemiro would be better suited to the role as skipper, though the language barrier could prove an obstacle towards the latter being handed the armband."

READ: Ten Hag facing Ronaldo problem all over again after Liverpool crushing

The full-time job as captain at Old Trafford would appear to be up for grabs. Incumbent Maguire has been sidelined for much of this season with Varane and Lisandro Martinez preferred at centre-back by Ten Hag.

Maguire was previously linked with Chelsea, while he was pictured having a meal with his agent near Aston Villa's training ground in the winter transfer window.

Fernandes remains a fine player for United, Sunday's performance aside. The Portuguese has 11 goal-involvements from 24 Premier League outings this season.

But against United's old rivals, he failed his audition.