Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville has revealed that he is in agreement with brother Gary over the captaincy credentials of talisman Bruno Fernandes. Gary, speaking in his role as a pundit for Sky Sports, previously stated his belief that the Portugal midfielder should wear the armband over current skipper Harry Maguire after his incredible first year with the Red Devils.
Only defending Premier League champions Liverpool have won more points than United since the arrival of Fernandes in January last year, with his brilliant form for the club helping to fire them into title contention once more.
His presence on the pitch is also clear to see, with Gary claiming last month that he is respected by his peers because he sets a fantastic example to the rest of the team.
“There’s Paul Pogba, David de Gea, [Harry] Maguire, they’ve all been captain,” he told Monday Night Football in December. “But [Bruno’s] the leader. Leader by example.
“Leader by what he does when he gives the ball way, sprints straight after it. Every time the team is on the ball, he wants the ball. Every time he gets the ball, he looks to play a pass that matters.
“He’s transformed the whole club. If he doesn’t play, it’s a massive problem. That’s a big issue, you’re almost reliant on him. Of all the midfield players they’ve got, he is just out there.
“Fernandes has been an absolute sensation at United, he’s the leader in that team, even if it’s not him wearing the armband. It could be.”
Fernandes has registered 33 goal contributions in just 30 Premier League appearances since joining United from Sporting twelve months ago.
Gary’s comments were echoed by brother Phil, who tipped the midfielder to be given the armband by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at some point in the future.
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“I think the thing about that list [of goal contributions] that stands out is the need to start winning trophies, to go along with those assists, that impact and those goals that he is scoring,” he told Premier League Productions.
“What I like about him is that he looks like a Man United captain. He talks like one, he is a leader on the pitch and he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground, which I think is really important.”
Fernandes will be hoping to inspire his United team-mates to victory once again next Sunday as the Red Devils travel to Anfield to face bitter rivals Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp‘s side, who have played one game more than United, currently top the Premier League table on goal difference only.
