Bruno Fernandes must follow own Manchester United advice

As is often the case in football, two truths can be possible at the same time.

Bruno Fernandes has been one of Erik ten Hag's standout players this season and his vice-captaincy role has seen him take the armband more than expected. He has shown, on his day, that he can be one of the leaders in the dressing room which helps Manchester United through the difficult spells.

However what can also be noted is that on Sunday, Fernandes abandoned his duties as the Reds' captain. His sometimes petulant behaviour at Liverpool went beyond natural disappointment at the result and towards petulance.

ALSO READ: Four moments Fernandes must change to keep captaincy

Fernandes will have disappointed many United fans with his performance at Anfield but ruling him out from being the next permanent captain of the Reds seems to be jumping the gun. While his role as captain in Harry Maguire's absence is not dangling by a thread, the next few weeks are now crucial for the 28-year-old.

He needs to show that he has learnt from his collapse in judgement and is willing to put the debacle at United behind him. To do this, he must now follow his own advice.

Back in December, Fernandes was asked by The Athletic about his new leadership role this season and his advice as to how he approaches the job, was telling. He said: "I try to be myself.

"It’s the way I am - I know that if some people see me talking to my team-mates or giving information to them, some of them like it, others less. I just try to help make the things better for the team.

"It’s something that comes naturally to me. It’s not something that I try and do in training.

"Even in normal life I try to help people. My mum and my dad made me understand that if you can help the next person,