Fernandes’ time as captain has been turbulent, but he is now showing the signs of a top leader
Ever since his arrival in 2020, Bruno Fernandes has been one of the few players to have consistently performed well in a Manchester United shirt.
More often than not, he was the side’s get out of jail card by scoring later winners or laying on assists for his teammates to score.
At the start of this season Fernandes was given the armband permanently and tasked with building upon United’s Carabao Cup win and fourth place finish but, as we all know, the role of captain at Old Trafford is a heavy weight to thrust upon anyone.
He’s also had his fair share of critics since taking the armband – most notably after the 7-0 defeat away at Liverpool last season in which former Red Devils Roy Keane lamented the Portugal international claiming that he was “the opposite to what I would want in a captain”.
It’s been the midfielder’s most underwhelming season since his arrival from Sporting but in United’s 4-3 win against Liverpool, fans spotted one key moment that revealed he has all the traits of a ‘proper captain’.
The moment Fernandes showed his leadership qualities
One moment that has sprung across social media is during the final seconds of normal time.
After Antony had equalised to make it 2-2, Marcus Rashford was presented with a golden opportunity to win the game in stoppage time only to put the ball the wrong side of the post.
Deflated, Rashford was instantly consoled by his captain and encouraged to keep his head up and keep going. Rashford would go on to score in extra time but it was a moment that stuck with United fans.
The moment when Bruno went over to Rashford after he missed that chance in the last seconds and told him to keep his head up.
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) March 19, 2024
Yeah, that's a proper captain right there. ❤️pic.twitter.com/7P5jFzWpKx
“The moment when Bruno went over to Rashford after he missed that chance in the last seconds and told him to keep his head up. Yeah, that’s a proper captain right there,” wrote one fan.
“A proper leader. You don’t learn this, it comes naturally,” said a second.
Another wrote: “Yet people will criticise him saying he’s not captain material.”
A fourth commented: “That’s our captain.”
Fernandes wanted to give the fans ‘something to celebrate’
Asked about the jubilant celebrations at full time, Fernandes admitted that they wanted to repay the fans after a difficult season so far.
“The game got a little bit spicy, a little more special because it’s an FA Cup game and if you lose, you’re out,” he said.
“We know the rivalry between fans, we know how United fans wanted us to win the game to give us something to celebrate because it’s not been great for us.
“We’ve talked about turnarounds but have never done the next step. But I think we have to understand the FA Cup is a thing and the Premier League is another one.”
Related links:
- Bruno Fernandes becomes emotional after heartwarming exchange with reporter
- Jose Mourinho’s ridiculed Man United prediction looks like it may finally come true
- Roy Keane sends Liverpool timely reminder after Man United’s dramatic win
