Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been backed to take the captaincy on a permanent basis.
Erik ten Hag said this week that it was ‘crazy‘ for outsiders to question the leadership skills of the Portugal international.
Fernandes scored his 11th goal of the season to give the Red Devils a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at the weekend.
Former United star Rio Ferdinand believes it is ‘natural’ for Fernandes to get the club captaincy full time next season.
Rio Ferdinand backs Bruno Fernandes for captaincy
Speaking to Five, Rio Ferdinand says he believes Bruno Fernandes should be the permanent Manchester United captain.
Fernandes is the vice-captain and has regularly skippered the side this campaign, with Harry Maguire making only seven Premier League starts.
There are question marks over Maguire’s future at the club heading into the summer, as a result of his lack of game time.
Ferdinand says it makes sense for Fernandes to be made captain from 2023/24.
He said: “Since he signed, he’s been the most impactful player we’ve had.
“On the back of that, that he’s had the captaincy when Maguire doesn’t play, it’s the natural progression [for him to keep it].”
Fernandes paid a total of £67 million for Fernandes in January 2020, and he has been a revelation. Ferdinand uses the word ‘impactful’ and he is spot on.
He has 61 goals to his name, including 11 this season. He also has a further 15 assists this campaign.
Regardless of whether Maguire stays or goes, and I suspect he goes, there will be no arguments if Fernandes gets the captaincy permanently this summer, he’s earned it.
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