Former Premier League manager calls for change in Man United captaincy

A former Premier League manager has called for a change in the captaincy at Manchester United, suggesting that Bruno Fernandes should be replaced. Since taking over the captaincy from Harry Maguire in July of the previous year, Fernandes has struggled to lead the team effectively. In a recent match against Liverpool, which ended in a disappointing 3-0 defeat for United, Fernandes was criticized for his performance as captain. Alan Pardew, the former manager, expressed concerns about Fernandes' ability to fulfill the leadership role due to his technical playing style. Pardew argued that having a technical player as captain can be problematic, as they are prone to having off days, which can impact the team's performance. He pointed out that Fernandes may be distracted by his leadership responsibilities, which could hinder his effectiveness as an attacking player. The former manager emphasized that Fernandes' focus on the back four and other players might be detrimental to his game, suggesting that it could be beneficial for him to relinquish the captaincy. The discussion around Fernandes' captaincy comes at a time when Manchester United is facing challenges on the pitch. The team's recent performances have raised questions about leadership and effectiveness, particularly in high-stakes matches. Pardew's comments reflect a growing sentiment that a change in captaincy could help both Fernandes and the team as a whole. Ultimately, the suggestion to remove Fernandes from the captaincy role highlights the ongoing debate about the qualities needed in a leader on the football field. It raises important questions about how leadership roles can impact individual player performance and team dynamics.