Souness insists "appalling" Fernandes "not a leader" despite captaincy call

24 July 2023 , 01:00

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Souness insists "appalling" Fernandes "not a leader" despite captaincy call

Graeme Souness is not in agreement with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag when it comes to new Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes.

Having stripped previous skipper Harry Maguire of the armband, Ten Hag named Fernandes as United's new captain last week. However, past comments from Souness suggest he thinks that is absolutely the wrong decision as the ex-Liverpool ace laid into United's number eight in brutal fashion.

Speaking on the Up Front with Simon Jordan podcast, Souness was asked specifically about his thoughts on Fernandes and whether he can be someone the other United players can turn to when the going gets tough. He did not hold back, issuing a scathing review of the former Sporting star.

"He is obviously not a leader, it's as plain as the nose on the end of your face he is not a leader. His attitude when they went 3-0 down at Liverpool was appalling," Souness explained. Jordan was quick to declare that he fully agrees with his guests stance on the situation.

The Reds icon went on to add: "I said at the time Simon, you would not want to be in the trenches with him, simple as." The rant did not stop there, though there was time for some brief praise for Fernandes, though only when United are already in control.

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"Fernandes you'll see be a star when they are on top, when they are on the front foot and he is creative, he's a real talent, but he showed a side to him [during the 7-0 defeat by Liverpool] that day at Anfield which was very unattractive. The manager United have right now is willing to overlook that because he is going to win them games moving forward."

Bruno Fernandes has been named Manchester United's new captain, potentially to the dismay of Graeme Souness (Getty Images)

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Ten Hag was clearly more than just willing to overlook it, he's made Fernandes captain and since outlined the reasons behind that decision. "I chose Bruno because he is a great inspiration. He is the example.

"He always wants to be a better football player, working very hard to give his maximum performance. So he is the mirror for many players and he is a good social connector.

"He is also very good at game understanding. So, for a manager, it's very good to have that intermediary on the pitch. So those are some reasons, but he can't do it alone."

Fernandes' start to life as captain of the club has got off to a stellar start, with the 28-year-old netting the opening goal of United's 2-0 pre-season friendly win over fierce Premier League rivals Arsenal in New York on Saturday night.

Josh O'Brien