Topics: Graeme Souness, Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United
Graeme Souness has launched a surprise attack on Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes ahead of the new season.
Souness is renowned for his strong opinions, continuing to give his thoughts even though he is no longer a pundit with Sky Sports.
After the Euro 2024 final, the Scotsman recently slammed United and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo for being "naive" and stating that he "wanders" out of position.
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And his latest target was a second United player as he laid into Fernandes.
The Portugal international has been United captain for over a year now since replacing Harry Maguire after he was stripped of the armband.
Fernandes is a passionate and emotional character on the pitch and his antics regularly irk fans and pundits alike.
And on William Hill's Three Up Front podcast with Troy Deeney and Simon Jordan, he criticised Fernandes for his conduct - bringing up the 7-0 loss against Liverpool a couple of seasons back.
He said: "When you look at leaders in the modern game, one example is at Manchester United which is one of the biggest institutions in world football.
"The club captain is Bruno Fernandes. When they were 3-0 down against Liverpool a couple of seasons ago, he just threw the towel in… he's the captain! If anything, he should still be contributing, running around with enthusiasm and helping his teammates.
"I don't think Fernandes can change that aspect of himself – it's part of him. "When he's shrugging his shoulders and throwing his arms around, that's just him."
Souness was Liverpool captain for three seasons prior to joining Sampdoria and believes there has been a huge shift in how those with the armband behave in the modern era.
He added: "I think leaders in the modern game tend to hide. They don't want to put themselves out there, be held accountable, or stand up and take the blame."
