Bruno Fernandes accused of "staggering" tactic whenever Man United lose

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been accused of a "staggering" tactic whenever the team are not performing.

Fernandes played 90 mins at Old Trafford as United were hammered 3-0 by rivals City.

Erling Haaland bagged a brace and set up Phil Foden's goal in the 80th minute as City strolled to a derby win.

Fernandes started the game on the right-hand side before moving centrally, though he was unable to have an impact on the game.

The Portugal international was booked late on for dissent as his frustrations took over.

And former City and England defender Micah Richards has spotted a recurring trend with Fernandes whenever United lose, claiming he starts "playing for himself" and is guilty of "trying to get the crowd on side".

Image: Getty

"Have you noticed what Fernandes does though?" the Sky Sports pundit asked on the Rest is Football podcast.

"When Man United go behind, and he is not having a good game, what he does is he starts running around trying to get the crowd on side.

"He is running out of position trying to get everyone to believe that he is working really hard for the team, but really he is just playing for himself. It was staggering to see.

"Then, every decision that goes against United, his arms are up in the air.

"As a captain, I don't know if the pressure is too much, but it is not quite working out."

The former Sporting CP midfielder was appointed as United's new permanent captain in the summer, having worn the armband for large spells last season.

But despite his obvious abilities, many believe Fernandes does not possess the leadership qualities required to be a United captain.

Image: Getty

Former Red Devils skipper Roy Keane called for Fernandes to be stripped of the captaincy as he is not "captain material".

Speaking on Sky Sports, he commented: “The first thing I would do - I have to tell you, watching him again - I would definitely take the captaincy off him. 100 per cent.

“I know it’s a big decision. Obviously, they changed the captaincy with Maguire [but] Fernandes is not captain material.

“I think he’s a talented player, no doubt about it, but what we saw today with him again - I know we’ve discussed this many times before, it was at Liverpool last year - is his winging, his moaning, his throwing his arms up in the air constantly.

“It really isn’t acceptable. After what we saw today I’m thinking I would take that off him."

United return to action on Wednesday with a Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle in a repeat of last season's final.

Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City, Manchester United, Micah Richards

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_