Manchester United’s Selection Conundrum: Emergence of Two Star Players Poses Threat to Bruno Fernandes
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, must make a decision on two of Bruno Fernandes’ responsibilities.
Two of Bruno Fernandes’ responsibilities at Manchester United have given Erik ten Hag pause for thought. Fernandes has captained the Red Devils and is responsible for many of their set-pieces, but he may now face competition from two of his teammates.
This season, Fernandes’ leadership qualities have been heavily scrutinized, with many believing he lacks the character to be captain in the absence of Harry Maguire. Ten Hag has been under pressure to be fired, particularly after his poor performance in Liverpool’s 7-0 thrashing.
“I’ve had enough of him throwing his arms around at his teammates, I’ve had enough of him not running back. He whinges at everybody,” United icon Gary Neville said after the game.
“He’s got to put a captain’s performance out there and that wasn’t a captain’s performance by a Manchester United player. I think Erik ten Hag will deal with him very, very strongly in this next 24-48 hours.”
Ten Hag may have seen Casemiro captain Brazil this week and may select the former Real Madrid star as his next captain. Casemiro joined United several games into the season, and the Red Devils manager may have felt he lacked the clout to replace Fernandes with a new signing.
In response to criticism of Fernandes’ leadership, the Dutchman defended him. “He’s giving energy to the team, not only running a lot at the highest intensity but in the right way and right direction,” he said after the Liverpool thrashing. He mentors players and serves as an inspiration.
“But no-one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. We have to learn and he has to learn. He will because he’s intelligent. I’m happy to have Bruno Fernandes in the team and he will be captain when Harry isn’t on the pitch.”
Fernandes also faces competition to take free kicks at Old Trafford. Loanee Marcel Sabitzer scored an outrageous goal for Austria last Friday during their 4-1 win over Azerbaijan.
Sabitzer, on loan from Bayern Munich but linked with a permanent move, curled in a brilliant 25-yard set piece for Ralf Rangnick’s side. Following his superb effort, the 29-year-old may demand that he be given more free kicks at United.
It puts Ten Hag in a difficult position of having to take over Fernandes’ responsibilities. With Maguire rumored to be leaving Old Trafford, United’s manager may need to name a new captain next season.
Casemiro will have been at the club for a year and thus has a stronger case to be named captain. Sabitzer is also a threat to Fernandes’ position as the primary set-piece taker.
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