Bruno Fernandes has issue to address as Manchester United captain

On July 20, Bruno Fernandes was officially unveiled as Manchester United’s new captain - following high speculation that he would succeed the struggling Harry Maguire.

Since then, the Portuguese international has captained the Red Devils in two competitive matches - as well as all of United’s preseason tour. However, he had effectively been the club’s defacto captain last year - acting as the side’s skipper when Harry Maguire fell out of favour at Old Trafford.

The influence of Fernandes’ leadership on the team last season was evident, as following United’s Carabao Cup victory - he joined Maguire to lift the trophy together. This proved an early sign that there would likely be a ‘changing of the guard’ for the role.

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Since officially being unveilled as United captain, the side haven’t looked great - struggling past a relegation-tipped Wolverhampton Wanderers side 1-0 before getting well beaten 2-0 by Tottenham Hotspur the following week. Against Wolves, the player was decent creating three chances and completing five passes into the final third, playing an integral role in the Red Devils’ winning goal.

Despite this, Fernandes faced criticism alongside summer signing Mason Mount for their poor positioning - overlapping for a lot of the game. Against Spurs, the player missed an absolute sitter of a chance - blazing a free header five-yards out from the goal-line over the bar.

The United captain embarrassingly looked over to the linesman for an offside flag that didn’t come in search of a return of some of his dignity. Fernandes has been the target of some criticism regarding his attitude and demeanour whilst sporting the United