Manchester United's manager Erik Ten Hag has refuted any notion regarding Bruno Fernandes being stripped of the captain's armband on occasions where Harry Maguire is absent from the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes has come under heavy criticism for his body language during Manchester United's 7-0 defeat at the hands of archrival Liverpool. The Portuguese international is being criticized for letting his teammates down with his reaction and behavior after the opponent kept scoring against them at Anfield.
Pundits and some commentators have been calling for the Red Devils to strip the Portuguese of the captain's armband. Erik Ten Hag has however called off such a move before indicating how important the number 8 has been for the Red Devils this season. He explained that Bruno Fernandes missing just two games this season and contributing 18 goals in 40 appearances has positive effects on his teammates.
"Yes, definitely,” Erik replied when asked whether Fernandes would continue to wear the armband for the Reds. “I think he is playing a brilliant season."
“He [occupies] a really important role, [which is] why we are in the position where we are because he is giving energy to the team."
“He is not only running a lot and at the highest intensity, but also in the right way, in the right direction, and he is pointing and coaching players," Erik Ten Hag explained.
“He is an inspiration for the whole team but no-one is perfect," added Ten Hag. "Everyone has his mistakes, and everyone has to learn."
“I have to learn, and he will learn as well because he is intelligent."
“So I am really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team, and I am really happy that Bruno Fernandes, if Harry is not on the pitch, is our captain.”
Former Manchester United's striker Luis Saha has as well backed the team's midfielder and claimed other players around him should change their jobs if they aren't happy with the stand-in captain's regular nagging on the pitch; he believes he only wants his teammates to be better.
"I will defend Bruno; everyone is entitled to make mistakes, and he will learn from them and reflect; maybe he’ll see what fans and pundits have said about his behavior, and he will think about it," Saha stated.
"I think he wants to win, and that’s what I see in him." If the players around him are unhappy with his body language and are worried about being criticised by their captain, change jobs.”
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