Erik ten Hag should have picked Lisandro Martinez over Bruno Fernandes to be Man Utd captain, says Danny Murphy
Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy believes that Erik ten Hag should have picked Lisandro Martinez and not Bruno Fernandes to be the new Manchester United captain.
In July, it was confirmed that Ten Hag had stripped Harry Maguire of the United captaincy having fallen down the pecking order at the club, with Fernandes announced as his successor soon after.
The attacking midfielder frequently wore the armband last season in Maguire’s absence, though some questioned whether he was the right person to skipper the side.
While an incredibly talented player and one that has bags of passion and experience, the 28-year-old also came under criticism for some of his behaviour, particularly in regards to his conduct around officials.
Why Murphy believes Martinez should have been chosen
Nevertheless, Ten Hag has seen enough in him to hand him the armband full-time ahead of the likes of Martinez, Raphael Varane and Casemiro.
But if Murphy were in charge, he would have selected Martinez who has greatly impressed since reuniting with his former Ajax boss Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
‘I think he [Fernandes] ticks some boxes for captain material, but not enough for me,’ the former Fulham and Blackburn Rovers star told talkSPORT.
‘I think he still can be a bad example when he’s moaning at the world and throwing himself about everywhere. That’s not leadership.
‘I don’t think his defensive work is great, I think he’s reactive more than proactive. But he’s a wonderful player, his energy and his durability.
‘Who else at United are you going to give it to? The one obvious candidate is Martinez.
‘Doesn’t matter [that he’s only been there a year]. He looks like a real leader. If I had the choice at the start of the season as Man United manager, I’d have gone with Martinez.’
Fernandes’ first game as captain
Fernandes won’t have to wait long for his first game as United club captain, with the Red Devils kicking-off their season with a Premier League clash against Wolves on 14th August.
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