Erik ten Hag presented food for thought as two players now put Bruno Fernandes in jeopardy
Erik ten Hag has received information regarding two of Bruno Fernandes’ responsibilities at Manchester United. Fernandes has captained the Red Devils and takes the majority of their set-pieces, but he may now face competition from two teammates.
In the absence of Harry Maguire, the leadership abilities of Fernandes have been heavily scrutinized this season, with many believing he lacks the character to be the captain. Ten Hag is under intense pressure to remove him from his position, especially after his disastrous performance in the 7-0 loss to Liverpool.
“I’ve had enough of him throwing his arms around at his teammates, I’ve had enough of him not running back. He whinges at everybody,” United icon Gary Neville said after the game.
“He’s got to put a captain’s performance out there and that wasn’t a captain’s performance by a Manchester United player. I think Erik ten Hag will deal with him very, very strongly in this next 24-48 hours.”
Ten Hag could appoint the former Real Madrid star as his future captain after observing that Casemiro lead Brazil this week.
Casemiro joined Manchester United few games into the season, and the Red Devils’ head coach may have felt powerless to replace Fernandes with a new player.
The Dutchman also defended Fernandes amid criticism of his leadership. He said after the Liverpool drubbing: “He’s giving energy to the team, not only running a lot at the highest intensity but in the right way and right direction. He’s coaching players, he’s an inspiration.
“But no-one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. We have to learn and he has to learn. He will because he’s intelligent. I’m happy to have Bruno Fernandes in the team and he will be captain when Harry isn’t on the pitch.”
Fernandes also faces competition for Old Trafford free kicks. During Austria’s 4-1 victory over Azerbaijan on Friday, loanee Marcel Sabitzer scored a spectacular goal.
Sabitzer, who is on loan from Bayern Munich but has been linked with a permanent transfer, curled in a 25-yard free kick for Ralf Rangnick’s team. The 29-year-old may insist that United allow him to take more free kicks after his magnificent effort.
It presents Ten Hag with a difficult choice about Fernandes’ obligations. With Maguire rumored to be leaving Old Trafford, the United manager may need to select a new captain for the upcoming season.
Casemiro will have been a member of the club for a year and will have a stronger case to be named captain. Sabitzer continues to threaten Fernandes’s place as the team’s primary set-piece taker.
Erik ten Hag presented food for thought as two players now put Bruno Fernandes in jeopardy
