Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has voiced strong criticism regarding Bruno Fernandes’s role as captain of Manchester United, suggesting that the Portuguese midfielder exhibits behavior unbefitting of a team leader. Petit, who enjoyed a distinguished career with Arsenal and won major titles with both the club and the French national team, has expressed his views on Fernandes’s suitability for the captaincy and proposed a surprising alternative for the role.
Arsenal legend Fernandes, who joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for an initial transfer fee of £47 million, has since made a significant impact on the team. In his tenure at Old Trafford, he has netted 79 goals in 237 appearances and helped secure the FA Cup and EFL Cup under the management of Erik ten Hag. Recognized as one of United’s standout signings in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, Fernandes was appointed captain last summer following Harry Maguire’s removal from the position due to a decline in his first-team status.
Despite Fernandes’s contributions and his recent contract extension, which will see him remain at United until the summer of 2027, Petit has not been impressed with the midfielder’s conduct on the field. While acknowledging Fernandes’s technical prowess and his exceptional performances during the pandemic-affected season when matches were played behind closed doors, Petit has criticized the manner in which Fernandes reacts to decisions during games. The former Gunners midfielder described Fernandes as displaying a ‘diva’ attitude, particularly criticizing his tendency to express frustration with gestures and complaints. Petit remarked that such behavior is not what one would expect from a captain, suggesting that it undermines the leadership role.
Petit further elaborated on his dissatisfaction, noting that while Fernandes’s performances have been commendable, his on-field demeanor can be off-putting. The Frenchman admitted that watching Fernandes from a distance often provokes a strong reaction, leading him to wish he could confront Fernandes directly during a match.
Arsenal Legend Emmanuel Petit Criticizes Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United Captain
When asked about potential alternatives for the captaincy, Petit identified Kobbie Mainoo as a future candidate for the role. Though acknowledging that Mainoo is currently too young to assume the captaincy, Petit believes the young talent has the potential to grow into the position in the future.
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has delivered a scathing critique of Bruno Fernandes, questioning the Portuguese midfielder’s suitability as captain of Manchester United. Petit, who has a decorated career including Premier League and FA Cup victories with Arsenal, along with World Cup and European Championship triumphs with the French national team, has been outspoken about Fernandes’s conduct and leadership qualities. His comments provide a sharp contrast to Fernandes’s otherwise notable contributions to Manchester United since his arrival.
Bruno Fernandes transferred to Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, with an initial fee of £47 million. Since joining, Fernandes has made a substantial impact, scoring 79 goals across 237 appearances. His time at Old Trafford has seen him play a crucial role in securing both the FA Cup and the EFL Cup under the guidance of current manager Erik ten Hag. Many consider Fernandes to be one of the most significant signings for United in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. His role as captain, which came about last summer after Harry Maguire was relieved of the armband due to his declining form, further underscores his importance to the team. Fernandes recently committed his future to United by signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2027.
Despite these accomplishments, Petit has voiced strong reservations about Fernandes’s behavior as captain. While he acknowledges that Fernandes is undeniably a talented player, Petit is critical of what he perceives as a ‘diva’ attitude displayed by Fernandes on the field.
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