Bruno Fernandes: Man Utd captain branded ‘disgrace’ – what now?

Fernandes has been Manchester United’s one consistent outstanding player since a £47m move from Sporting in January 2020, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the manager.

He has scored 111 goals and made 106 assists in 338 games for the club in all competitions.

Former manager Erik ten Hag made him the skipper in the summer of 2023 after taking the armband off Harry Maguire, whose place in the team was far from certain.

But this is not the first time his body language, attitude and behaviour as captain has been criticised.

He was called a “disgrace” and “embarrassing” by United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane after the 7-0 loss to Liverpool in 2023, while Chris Sutton said he should never captain the club again.

However, last season Fernandes was named the Premier League’s player of the year after a record 21 assists in a season.

“That award was on the back of Michael Carrick becoming the manager,” said Carragher.

“He wouldn’t have got that award without Michael Carrick, because Michael Carrick put him back in his rightful position and he then went on to have a fantastic season because he’s a talented footballer.

“But in terms of attitude and the way he goes about things, it’s not right at all.”

Fernandes has made headlines with his comments before. In August 2025 he said the club needed to make more signings.

That December he was asked about the fact United had been willing to sell him to Al-Hilal and told Canal 11: “From the club I felt it was, ‘If you go it’s not so bad for us’. It hurts me a bit.

“More than hurting me, it makes me sad. I’m a player that no-one can criticise, I’m always available, I always give my best.

“I could have left in this transfer window, I would have earned much more money.

“I would have won many trophies this season, but I decided not to go, not only for family reasons but because I genuinely love the club.”

But now the narrative might change entirely after his latest comments.

Many will be wondering whether he should even start in Sunday’s game against Bournemouth.

Martinez did keep his place, after apologising, at Leeds last Sunday.

But as United fan Mitten says: ”There was mitigation with Martinez because he wants a new contract. Fernandes is captain.”

There has been no word from the club about whether Fernandes’ role as captain is in jeopardy after his outburst.