Manchester United: Fernandes backed to keep captaincy despite criticism

Fernandes’ leadership qualities have come under heavy criticism in recent weeks.

Manchester United would not benefit from stripping Bruno Fernandes of captaincy, according to Dimitar Berbatov.

Following a 3-0 defeat in the Manchester Derby, Fernandes came under criticism from Roy Keane, who said the Portugal international shouldn’t wear the captaincy armband anymore.

“Today having watched him again I would take the captaincy off him 100 per cent,” the United legend told Sky Sports. “I know it’s a big decision, obviously they changed the captaincy with Maguire, but Fernandes is not captain material.”

Berbatov, however, believes another captaincy switch would only add to United’s dressing room problems.

“If you change the captaincy now, then it will only add to the turbulence in the team,” the former Man United star told Betfair.

“Now, if you take it [captaincy] from Bruno, that will be bad for his morale. If he is removed as Man United captain, then his performances will dip because it’s disrespectful to him.”

Berbatov added: “The reason for Fernandes’ current behaviour is due to how the team is performing. He’s not happy with it.”

Manchester United will take on Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before continuing their Premier League campaign with a match against Fulham three days later.