Bruno Fernandes, who has succeeded Harry Maguire as Man United captain, has been criticised for his overzealous approach to playing and perceived histrionics and theatrics at times
Bruno Fernandes is the new Man United captain
Bruno Fernandes says he will not change his emotional approach on the pitch – despite being appointed Manchester United captain.
Fernandes, who has succeeded Harry Maguire as United captain, has been criticised for his overzealous approach to playing and perceived histrionics and theatrics at times. After United’s 7-0 mauling at Liverpool last season, Fernandes came under fire, with Gary Neville branding him a “disgrace” after suggesting he had asked to be subbed.
Fernandes was, in fact, asking Ten Hag which position he should play, after changes to the United forward line, and was said to be furious at the suggestion he wanted to come off. After being handed the armband on a permanent basis, Fernandes said he is in no mood to curb his instincts – because that is what made United boss Erik ten Hag appoint him in the first place.
“I think I have to be the same because that’s what has brought me to be the captain at this moment,” said Fernandes. “That’s what the manager has decided because he likes the way I am, the way I act and train and the way I play, so I have to keep doing the same things. You have to improve stuff in your game day by day, but I’m happy with what I’ve been doing and I have to keep that standard.”
Fernandes was informed of his promotion to captain by Ten Hag in a meeting of the entire United squad, with outgoing skipper Harry Maguire one of the first to congratulate him.
“The manager spoke in front of the whole group,” said Fernandes. “He wanted to do it in front of everyone. Everyone already knew about the situation with Harry, but no one knew who would be the next captain. So he did it in a team meeting with everyone together, because its something we have to do more often, to keep the things inside and give the compliments inside to ourselves
“Harry gave me congratulations and said he’s really happy for me. I understand his position is not the best at the moment. It has to be difficult for him but he had a great chat with me, he came and said congratulations and I’m happy about that because we’ve always had a good relationship.”
After finishing third last season to return to the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup, United’s first trophy for six years, Fernandes said United’s next step must be to challenge for the title.
Bruno Fernandes has replaced Harry Maguire as captain (
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“We want to fight for the titles,” said Fernandes. “We want to go for all the trophies that we’re involved in. I’ve said that ever since I arrived at the club, even in the worst period.
“We want to go for everything that we’re involved in and the manager has made everyone aware that this is the standard of the club and what the club deserves. It’s what we have to set for ourselves to be a Manchester United player and it has to be realistic until we can’t do it any more.
“The club is making the steps to bring more people, more quality, to the team and when you do that you make your team stronger. So I’m really happy for everyone who is with us, with Mason Mount and André Onana, and we’ll see if anyone else comes in and helps us to succeed as a club.
“The standard of last season wasn’t enough to win more trophies and we have to do something more to get those trophies. We have to beat every team in the Premier League, the Champions League, and in the Carabao and FA Cup, too.”
