28 November 2023 , 13:24
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Bruno Fernandes insists his focus is "on those who work with me day-by-day" after facing another round of criticism.
Fernandes, 29, has been slammed by several Manchester United legends - including Paul Ince and Roy Keane - since taking the captaincy from Harry Maguire during the summer. Many criticise believe he doesn't have the right attributes to lead the Red Devils.
Fernandes has done OK by his high standards this season, scoring four goals and providing four assists for Erik ten Hag's side. Yet they aren't flourishing under the Portugal international's captaincy, having lost three of their four Champions League fixtures.
United could be knocked out of the tournament if they lose to Galatasaray in Turkey on Wednesday, but a victory would reignite their hopes of reaching the last 16. Fernandes knows what's at stake and is determined to prove the likes of Ince and Keane wrong.
Fernandes was asked about the criticism during a press conference on Tuesday. He said: "I have to deal with that. I understand that the tough part is always coming after the first games, when results and performances aren't always as they should be.
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"I know my numbers when I came made me a target. My focus is on the team, on the staff, on those who work with me day-by-day. The way I am it has not changed by being the captain. I am really open with everyone. I have to keep the same way."
Fernandes' reaction comes after Ince questioned Ten Hag's decision to make him captain. "I don't know what I see in Fernandes," Ince told talkSPORT. "Is he leader by the way he plays? At the moment he's not playing to the best of his ability.
Fernandes has faced criticism from several ex-players this season (Getty Images)What do you make of Bruno Fernandes' response? Let us know in the comments below!
"Yes, he scored the winner against Fulham. But as far as being a leader, you do it by organisation. I, as a captain, always felt, my main thing was if I wasn't playing well, make sure the people around you are playing well because it shows how bad you're playing.
"When you look at Fernandes, sometimes it's just about him. When he's not playing well, you can see it in his body language. You can see him arguing with the ref."
Ten Hag has defended Fernandes in the press on several occasions this season. After Fernandes let Marcus Rashford take a penalty in United's 3-0 win at Everton last Sunday, Ten Hag said: "You can see how great a captain Bruno is... you need such leadership."
Keane, who's been one of Fernandes' most vocal critics, reacted: "He's giving toffee out there to Bruno for passing on the ball for the penalty. Absolute bloody rubbish, absolute rubbish coming out with that... United are sixth now, if you went back a few years and you were sixth you'd be embarrassed, but obviously they seem happy with sixth."