Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has not held back in his criticism of Bruno Fernandes as the captain of Manchester United and named the shock player he feels has the potential to wear the armband instead.
Fernandes joined Manchester United in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon for an initial £47 million. Since then, he has scored 79 goals in 237 appearances, winning both the FA Cup and EFL Cup under current manager Erik ten Hag.
Considered one of United’s best signings since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Fernandes was appointed captain last summer following Harry Maguire’s removal from the role. He recently extended his contract, keeping him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2027.
Former Arsenal midfielder Petit, who won the Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal and both the World Cup and European Championships with France, has commented on Fernandes. While acknowledging Fernandes as a ‘very good’ player, Petit criticized his behavior on the pitch, particularly his reactions to unfavorable decisions, calling him a ‘diva’ in an interview with talkSPORT.
“I think he sometimes acts like a diva. Even though he wears the captain’s armband, if I were a teammate, I’d be frustrated by his constant complaining and arm-waving on the pitch. It’s not the behavior you expect from a leader,” Petit said.
He continued, “Fernandes is a very good player. I was particularly impressed during the Covid-19 season when there were no fans; he performed remarkably well. However, after signing his new contract and watching him with Portugal, I find myself getting annoyed by his on-field antics.”
“I just want to jump into the TV and face him as an opponent, just to challenge him on the pitch,” Petit remarked.
When asked who he believes should be Manchester United’s captain instead of Fernandes, Petit suggested Kobbie Mainoo as a future candidate. He praised Mainoo’s potential and personality but noted that he is currently too young to take on the captaincy. “The best players this season have been the youngest ones. I think Mainoo has the potential and the character to be captain, but he’s still too young at the moment,” Petit said.
