'Consistent' Fernandes backed to replace Maguire as Man United captain

Bruno Fernandes has all the required traits to excel as Manchester United captain and potentially replace Harry Maguire, says Rene Meulensteen.

Nobody can dispute Fernandes’ importance for Manchester United since his €55m arrival from Sporting CP last January.

The Portuguese midfielder has managed an impressive 15 goals and 11 assists in only 27 games. Such was his impact that many credited him for United’s turnaround in form towards the end of last season.

This is class! 😅

The moment Bruno Fernandes found out he would captain Manchester United against PSG 😊

Surprised, Bruno? 😆 pic.twitter.com/q3AV0j3EEY

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 19, 2020

Now Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has handed Bruno the captain’s armband for Tuesday’s Champions League opener away to Paris Saint-Germain despite only joining the team 10 months ago.

“Bruno is an excellent choice because since he’s come to the club, he has given United what they were lacking,” former Red Devils coach Meulensteen told talkSPORT.

“Some urgency, he plays with conviction, he plays with authority, he drives other players on.

“He’s a positive influence every time he steps on the pitch – and he’s not afraid to tell players when they don’t meet the standards. He’s got high standards about himself because you can see if he does miss a pass, he gets annoyed with himself and he will be the same with other players.

“Although he will say it, he’s not a negative person. He’s a very positive influence in the dressing room, players look up to him because he has proved to be such an important player for the team.”

Asked whether Fernandes could replace Maguire as United’s permanent captain one day, Meulensteen replied: “For me, I can see that [happen] because he’s been very consistent.

“He plays every game, his performances are nine out of 10. He always has an impact on the game.

“You want to have players [where you can say], ‘he’s on the pitch, the captain’s on the pitch, he will carry us over the line’.”