Erik ten Hag felt that Bruno Fernandes was the right man to captain Manchester United.
The Dutchman made the bold decision of taking the armband away from Harry Maguire and naming Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United’s captain in 2023.
At the time, Maguire had been struggling for form and was facing plenty of criticism while Fernandes had been on a constant upward trajectory since moving to Manchester from Sporting Lisbon.
However, the 30-year-old has split opinion as United captain, with some criticising his outbursts of emotion on the pitch. As per the Daily Mail, Alan Pardew even suggested Fernandes should be replaced as captain.
Fernandes has struggled this season in what has been the first real bump in his United career. He scored his first Premier League goal of the season on Sunday during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
After Sunday’s result, Fernandes admitted that he apologised to Erik ten Hag after he was sacked as manager last week.
Phil Jones launches strong Bruno Fernandes defence
Fernandes’ post-match comments attracted criticism from United legend Roy Keane, who claimed it was “too little, too late”.
As a former captain himself, Keane knows what it takes to lead United to silverware, but Phil Jones believes Fernandes also has what it takes to be a great captain.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Jones said: “I almost get the impression that he is a little bit misinterpreted at times.
“I can only go off my experience in the dressing room that I spent with him and the time I played with him. He’s a leader in that dressing room, he’s really good with the young lads.
“We’ve all got different captains. I think he’s a leader who leads by example on the pitch by the qualities he brings.
“He’s a player you build the team around. He’s a terrific player. He wants to win.”
There have been concerns about whether Fernandes is the right man to lead United as captain, but Jones has cleared things up and rallied behind the Portuguese midfielder.
Man United need more leaders on the pitch
Whether you agree with Fernandes being the captain or not, it is hard to point at anyone else in the team who deserves the armband.
Ultimately, United need more than just one captain on the pitch. United’s strongest sides had leaders in almost every position, and that is something lacking in this current squad.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim to Manchester United means new roles for Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes has already let United to two trophies as captain and has led from the front with a bucket-load of goals and assists. His attitude is not always perfect but he was a good leader under Ten Hag and he can expect to keep the armband when Ruben Amorim becomes head coach.
Ruud van Nistelrooy praised Fernandes against Chelsea and Jones insists he is an important figure behind the scenes.
Rather than knocking Fernandes down the leadership chain, United need others to step up and take responsibility.
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