Is Bruno Fernandes the Right Man to Lead Manchester United?

Manchester United are going through a tough time and plenty of people involved with the club are coming in for criticism, few more so than the captain, Bruno Fernandes. The Portugal international’s attitude during the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday was chastised by Gary Neville, with fellow club legend Roy Keane saying he should be stripped of the captaincy.

The likes of Chris Sutton and Ian Wright have jumped on board the Bruno-bashing bus since and now Barnes has done the same. The former Liverpool and England winger feels the 29-year-old is not the man for a crisis, hailing his footballing abilities, but not his leadership skills.

John Barnes: ‘Bruno Fernandes is a Fantastic Footballer’

‘Bruno Fernandes is a fantastic footballer but you have to look at the harmony of the team,’ Barnes told BonusCodeBets.co.uk. ‘I would prefer my captain not to be throwing his hands in the air and gesticulating to the fans when things aren’t going well. Ronaldo used to do it also. United need harmony and togetherness which is something he maybe doesn’t offer.

‘He’s a great player but you need your leaders when things aren’t going well and under those circumstances I don’t think he’s the right player to be dragging them out of the mire.’

Erik ten Hag Has Work to Do

Barnes reckons there is enough talent in the Red Devils side for them to succeed this season, but Erik ten Hag has a lot of work to do on cohesion, confidence and team spirit to improve results.

‘Ten Hag’s signings are all good player but they’ve come into a side and an environment where it’s not a happy situation and there’s a lack of harmony then it’ll be difficult for those players,’ he said.

‘Look at Antony. You don’t go to Manchester United for £80m if you’re a bad player. The team needs to be together but there’s turmoil at the club which makes it difficult for these new signings.

‘If United and ten Hag can garner some harmony, togetherness and get a spirit in the dressing room then the players will show what they can do.’

Conclusion

Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly a talented footballer, but his attitude and leadership skills have come into question in recent weeks. With Manchester United in turmoil, John Barnes believes that Fernandes is not the man to drag them out of their current predicament. It is up to Erik ten Hag to create harmony in the dressing room and get the best out of his players if they are to turn their season around.