In the 57th minute of United’s away game against Aston Villa this season, Bruno Fernandes did something we all want our captain to do.
Rashford had gotten himself into a minor scrap with Villa defender Ezri Konsa, with the two squaring up to each other in the way footballers do, but Bruno Fernandes sprinted over and did his level best to get in between the two players. Remind you of anyone?
Fernandes has exhibited captain-like qualities since he arrived at Old Trafford has already captained the side a number of times this season, stepping in for Harry Maguire when he could not play.
But stepping up for players in a scrap is not all we want our captain to do, though it is importnant.
The best captains pull teams out of a low ebb during a game with energy and quality, which Fernandes has in abundance.
And there is nothing wrong with Maguire as captain – tactically it makes sense and he is a reliable leader.
But some players need to be inspired and driven forward, which Maguire is not always able to do from his centre-back position.
Inspirational
Captains inspire other players to play at the top of their game and they bring a sense of unity to a squad.
It is his ability to inspire camaraderie in the players and his mettle in big pressure scenarios, especially those penalties, that gives the other players something to look up to.
Fernandes sets the tone of every game he plays in – harrying defenders, creating opportunities almost out of thin air and holding extremely high standards of himself. Statistically he leads United in off-ball pressures.
By making himself the benchmark that other players should strive towards, Fernandes as captain can lift the quality of this United side.
Goals and assists
His goals and assists records speak for themselves, 28 goals and 17 assists in all competitions this season is a phenomenal return but does not automatically make a player a good captain.
He seems to just naturally understand what a leader is supposed to do and often thinks of the team before thinking of himself.
He has achieved a remarkable goals and assists tally this season, even though he has unselfishly passed over opportunities to score to players who needed a goal.
Fearless
Fernandes is almost like a blend of two of United’s best ever captains: Roy Keane and Eric Cantona.
The mercurial attacking talent of Cantona and the passionate aggression of Keane make for a magnificent combination.
And it is his more Keane-like qualities that have endeared Fernandes tot he fans.
Telling Pep to shush in the Manchester derby immediately shot him to the top of the list for many United fan’s captain pick.
If Manchester United are serious about catching Manchester City next season there are some big changes that need to take place.
Buying high quality players to patch up the areas of missing quality in the side is one way.
But getting the best of the squad we already have, just like Alex Ferguson used to do, will also be crucial, and Bruno Fernandes is currently the best candidate for that job.
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