Fernandes divides opinion - but ex-Man Utd teammate's words may tell true story
There was a time when players from abroad were blamed for a whole load of sins in the English game.
Play-acting, imaginary card-waving, time-wasting, diving, excessive spitting, gloves, abstinence, speaking in a foreign language. Seen as though many a home footballer has become, or was, in fact, already adept at many of the above, it would be nice to think we have moved on.
Sometimes, though, you cannot help but wonder. Let’s get the undeniable out of the way first. There is a reason why a lot of fans who do not support Manchester United, a lot of pundits, a lot of casual observers, take an instant dislike to Bruno Fernandes.
It saves time. His histrionics, his whingeing, his snideness, his simulation, his moaning, his petulance, they are there for all to see and to whip him with.
Heaven knows I have done it many times. And when Fernandes was given a lucrative new contract towards the end of a 2021/22 season that was disappointing for both the Portuguese midfielder and the team, it was symbolic of United’s struggles. Almost two years on from that deal, Fernandes is captain and still getting a fair amount of stick, the latest bout coming after he won himself the softest of penalties against Wigan in the FA Cup tie on Monday night.
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To see the way he went down after the minimal contact with Liam Shaw was deeply disappointing, for sure. But the purpose for that debate has long since disappeared. Literally, there is no-one in the Premier League who would not do what Fernandes did at the DW Stadium. No-one.
Bruno Fernandes won a controversial penalty against Wigan (Getty Images)Is Bruno Fernandes the right choice for Man United captain? Share your thoughts in the comments below
And that has been the case for a long time. On the very day in late 2018 when it was announced he was being made an MBE, Harry Kane celebrated by being booked for a blatant dive in Spurs’ 3-1 defeat to Wolves. Kane got a yellow card for simulation as recently as November, 2023, while he was leading England against …. Malta.
Con-artistry and captaincy are not mutually exclusive, which is why Fernandes should be cut more slack than he gets. The tide of popular opinion suggests Fernandes is not what you want a leader to be and, visually, there appears to be supporting evidence.
But behind the scenes, a lot of team-mates and staff tell a different story. And in the aftermath of disappointing results - of which there have been plenty during his captaincy - he fronts up.
If there is one United player of recent times whose values and opinions you would trust, it is Juan Mata and this is how he described Fernandes recently. “Professional, committed, humble, hard-working, talented, decisive, leader, respectful … and imperfect, just like the rest of us.”
To say the least, it is a bit of a stretch to spot all those things in Fernandes but it is also worth remembering he is a rare, recent United acquisition who has actually given value for money. Part of his frustration might come from being surrounded by expensive mistakes.
Did he cover himself in glory against Wigan? No. Does he do himself any favours with his bookings and his outbursts? No. Is it too early to be writing him off as someone not fit to wear the Manchester United captain’s armband? Yes.
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