Tim Howard has staunchly defended Bruno Fernandes after claiming that the Manchester United skipper is “absolutely brilliant” and a “fantastic footballer.”
Bruno Fernandes has been a key influence at Old Trafford since his arrival in 2020 and the midfielder has become a senior figure in the Manchester United first team.
The 29-year-old United star was promoted to captain last summer after Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag stripped England defender Harry Maguire of the club’s armband.
Fernandes has been criticised over his leadership skills this season after United’s underwhelming performance in the Premier League.
The Portuguese midfielder has also raised eyebrows over his behaviour on the pitch, with Fernandes not afraid of making his feelings heard with match officials.
Fernandes was spotted in a heated exchange with referee Michael Oliver after United suffered a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Fulham at Old Trafford last week.
The Portugal international was also mocked online after Fulham’s TikTok page made fun of Fernandes over his theatrical reaction after he went down to claim a foul.
Erik ten Hag threw his support behind Fernandes after the match and demanded that Fulham apologise, with the United boss saying it is “absolutely not right.”
Howard on Man Utd captain Fernandes
Despite the criticisms levelled towards Bruno Fernandes, Erik ten Hag has kept faith in the Portugal star and retained him as his captain for the current season.
Howard pointed to the difference in captaincy style between Manchester United star Fernandes and Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk over the last weekend.
Virgil van Dijk captained Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final and the Reds defender scored a dramatic winner in extra-time for his side in the 1-0 win at Wembley.
Speaking in his column for The Daily Mail, Howard insisted that Fernandes is “probably trying to figure out how to lead” and has a “lot of time for him.”
“It would be easy after this weekend to look at Bruno Fernandes and Virgil van Dijk and conclude that these two captains illustrate why United and Liverpool are where they are,” he wrote.
“All I would say? Some skippers have it easier than others.
“The dysfunction at United makes this a really difficult team to lead – Ten Hag took the captaincy away from Harry Maguire while the club wasn’t playing well.
“Fernandes is only 29 and Manchester United is not his boyhood club. So he’s probably trying to figure out how to lead.
“Personally, I have a lot of time for him – every time I’ve had interactions with him, he’s been absolutely brilliant. He’s a fantastic footballer.
“And when it comes to leadership, so much of it is an act: sometimes you have to be angry when you’re not – just to get a reaction. Sometimes you need to be calm when your blood is boiling.”
Howard’s criticism of Man Utd star Fernandes
Despite his praise for Fernandes, Howard admitted that the United skipper can be a “little bit petulant” and he needs to “find a balance” as a leader.
The former Everton and United man added that Van Dijk is the opposite of Fernandes, with the Liverpool defender emerging as a “brilliant leader” for the Reds.
“Bruno can be a little bit petulant and good leaders have to find a balance between ‘this is who I am’ and ‘this is what I have to present,’” Howard continued.
“There have been moments when Bruno hasn’t mastered that. But it’s not second nature for everybody.
“Sometimes it’s learned. Sometimes you’re fighting against your own character.
“Van Dijk, on the other hand, took over a well-oiled machine. He’s a brilliant leader but he’s also playing for a manager who signed him and who he’s been in lock-step with for years.
“Plus, everybody at Liverpool knows their role. So it’s a much easier team to lead than United at the moment.”
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