‘I’d be concerned’ – Paul Scholes points out Bruno Fernandes’ fundamental flaw as Man Utd captain
PAUL SCHOLES admits he’d “be concerned” about Bruno Fernandes’ suitability as future Manchester United captain.
The Portugal star has been wearing the armband this season when skipper Harry Maguire hasn’t played.
And with SunSport exclusively revealing the defender is a summer target for Paris Saint-Germain, the role could be coming Fernandes’ way permanently.
However, the playmaker has received a lukewarm reaction over his leadership skills from fans and pundits this term.
Fernandes certainly didn’t help himself with a poor display in United’s 7-0 defeat to Liverpool, where he faked an injury before shoving a linesman.
He then infuriated supporters by appearing to beg to be subbed off late on – something he’s since denied.
Fernandes redeemed himself slightly with a goal in United’s 4-1 Europa League win over Real Betis on Thursday.
But former United star Scholes reckons it would be a mistake for Erik ten Hag to give the captaincy to such an “emotional” player.
He said: “Your captain has to be an influence, leader, calm character.
“I’d be concerned if United, in March, April, are going for the title.
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“I don’t think him as your captain would be ideal.
“He’s only vice-captain at the moment as Maguire’s not playing.
“Going forward, bigger games, going for trophies, Champions League finals, a captain with less emotion might be better.”
Scholes’ comments came after he was one of the few people to defend Fernandes’ horror show against Liverpool last weekend.
Scholes said: “He’s been asked to play in a position he’s not comfortable doing. He’s sacrificed himself for that.
“We’ve seen he was frustrated with teammates, he won’t be proud of what happened.
“Throwing his arms in the air, pushing the official, he’ll learn from that. He comes from Portugal where they do that all the time but in England it’s not quite as acceptable.
“Going forward he’ll try and get rid of those little annoying things in his game.”