Former Man City defender labels United's Bruno Fernandes as 'pathetic'

Manchester United’s newly-minted captain, Bruno Fernandes, has been labelled as ‘pathetic’.

Since his transfer to the club, the Portuguese international has rapidly ascended to become one of the key players in the team and was handed the captain’s armband earlier this summer, succeeding Harry Maguire.

In his tenure in English football, Fernandes has earned a name for himself as a passionate player, a quality that has sometimes translated into yellow cards and disapproval from critics.

Following United’s lacklustre showing in the 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, Fernandes found himself in the crosshairs once more.

The Rest Is Football podcast featured comments from ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards, who did not mince words in his assessment.

“It’s getting embarrassing now. The young lad Pellistri comes on. Fernandes is trying to get his team playing and I totally understand he’s frustrated.

“Pellistri made a run, Fernandes didn’t see him and [so] he made a different run but because he wasn’t where [Fernandes] wanted him to be, he’s going off at Pellestri.”

Richards continued: “It’s every time. I saw an interview with him the other day and he said he needs to be emotional when he performs because it makes him play better.

“But I feel like his body language on the pitch is disturbing the rest of the team and it’s just not a good look at all. It’s pathetic at times.”

During United’s humiliating 7-0 defeat by Liverpool last season, ex-United man Gary Neville also blasted Fernandes for his on-field behaviour.

He said at the time: “They have not been epitomised more than Bruno Fernandes, who has been embarrassing – a shambles – in this game.

“Bruno Fernandes is stood in the centre circle with his arms raised saying ‘Why isn’t it me coming off?’ Honestly. I think some of his behaviour in the second half has been a disgrace.”

Manchester United will get the chance to put things right when they take on Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.

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