BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton has argued that Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is one of the “worst” divers in football.
Bruno Fernandes has been an integral part of Manchester United’s setup since his stunning £47m move to Old Trafford from Sporting CP in 2020.
The 29-year-old Portugal midfielder has since inherited the captain’s armband and remained a leading figure in the United first team under Erik ten Hag.
However, the United skipper has come under criticism at times for his behaviour on the pitch, including his argument with match officials.
Fernandes has also gained a reputation for going down easy under challenges, with
the likes of Chris Sutton believing that he is one of the worst in the Premier League for it.
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Sutton on Man Utd star Fernandes
The Daily Mail’s Ian Ladyman compiled a ranking list of the top five players who are most likely to act out simulation on the pitch.
According to Ian Ladyman, former Bayern Munich boss Jurgen Klinsmann was in fifth place and Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo ranked fourth.
Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and former Barcelona star Rivaldo finished third and second respectively, while ex-United man Ashley Young came top of the pile.
Speaking on the It’s All Kicking Off! podcast, Chris Sutton claimed that it was “scandalous” that Bruno Fernandes was left off the list.
The TNT Sports commentator and pundit added that another addition to the rankings should have been Harry Kane, who is the “winner by a country mile.”
“I’m just going to mention two quick ones who you’ve left out,” Sutton said.
“Scandalous how you’ve left them out. Bruno Fernandes. One of the worst.
“And the winner by a country mile, but you can’t call him out because he’s England captain, Harry Kane.
“He’s the worst diver. He is a prolific diver and gets away with it week in, week out – all the time.
“Harry Kane is a serial diver. The worst I’ve ever seen. Brilliant player, wonderful goalscorer, got everything, but he’s a diver.”
Fernandes criticism is unfair
Sutton’s claim that Fernandes is one of the worst divers is over the top, despite the United star being criticised at times for going down under a challenge.
Fernandes has become an easy target for many since his ascension to the captaincy and the United midfielder is not a diver.
The Portugal international’s role on the pitch and his attacking threat allows him to create ample space, making him an easy target for a challenge.
For Sutton, it is lazy criticism to use the word “scandalous” for Fernandes’ apparent simulation, especially when so many players are accused of diving nowadays.
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