Manchester United supporters picked up on what Bruno Fernandes did immediately after the Red Devils' embarrassing Carabao Cup penalty shoot-out victory to League Two Grimsby Town.
United skipper Fernandes was brought on at half-time of the second round clash at Blundell Park by Ruben Amorim, whose side were trailing 2-0 after goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren eight minutes apart.
He helped get United back in the game, with fellow sub Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire finding the net late on and forcing penalties.
But United were beaten in a crazy penalty shoot-out which saw 26 spot-kicks taken - including both goalkeepers stepping up and converting.
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Matheus Cunha missed the opportunity to win the tie for United and then after a series of successful attempts which saw players step up for the second time, Mbeumo smashed his effort against the crossbar to give Grimsby a memorable 12-11 penalty shoot-out triumph.
Grimsby fans invaded the pitch - with some taunting United's stars as security attempted to escort them from the pitch.
But footage on social media showed that Fernandes demonstrated his leadership qualities by going out of his way to console and protect Mbeumo after his costly miss.
Fernandes is often criticised for his antics on the pitch but fans hailed the Portugal international for what he did for his new teammate.
One fan on X commented: "Bruno Fernandes straight to Bryan Mbeumo to protect his teammate. Harry Maguire & Fernandes leadership is why I have so much respect & admiration for both. Protect them at all costs, just like they do for their teammates & club."
A second said: "Say what you will about Bruno Fernandes, but he’s a proper captain. He rushed over to Bryan Mbeumo to protect him after his penalty miss."
A third agreed: "Video showing Bruno protecting Mbeumo after his penalty miss as other players had vanished from the field. Rivalry aside, Bruno Fernandes is a proper captain."
Roy Keane's brutal Fernandes verdict
Though Fernandes came off in a good light, former United captain Roy Keane remains a strong critic of the former Sporting CP midfielder.
In a new episode of Stick to Football, Keane claimed Fernandes has "little traits" which are "not good" for a leader and finds it difficult to move on when he is upset over something.
"Even against Arsenal in the first game of the season, he gives the ball away with a little ball in the box and it leads to the goal," Keane said.
"Little details and you are looking at Bruno’s leadership skills. Don’t let it upset you going into the second half. I’ve heard stuff… if Bruno is upset with something in training, he carries it on for the week.
"People might think I was a narky git, but if something happened, you move on pretty quickly enough. You wouldn’t let it affect your performance. His technical stuff, I’ve said, he’s brilliant. But all these little traits. If he is your captain, one of your leaders, these are not good traits.”
Yet to win this season, United are back in action on Saturday when they take on Burnley at Old Trafford in a 3pm kick-off.
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Carabao Cup
Josh Lawless