Micah Richards reckons Bruno Fernandes' on-field antics are proving to be detrimental to his Manchester United team mates in his new role as club captain.
The Portuguese attacking midfielder replaced Harry Maguire as skipper this season, having worn the armband for much of the last campaign with the England international out of first team consideration.
In United's first two games, since he has taken on the gig full time, Erik ten Hag's side laboured to a 1-0 home win before faltering against Tottenham on Sunday.
The lacklustre performances have caused some level of upset, shown best by the 28-year-old, who berated his younger colleague, Facundo Pellistri, following the breakdown of a move on Sunday.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards criticised Fernandes for his conduct and theorised that his behavior could be having an adverse effect on the team.
'It's getting embarrassing now,' he said. '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.
'It's every time.' He continued: '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.'
It's not the first time the attacking midfielder's actions have been called into question. Back in March following Man United's historic loss to Liverpool, Fernandes was criticised for his continued petulance.
The display even cast into doubt his suitability for the role of skipper after many at United - players included - were left irritated by him.
The manner in which he headed towards the tunnel at the full-time whistle without acknowledging the remaining United fans was understood to have been received with particular negativity.
Ten Hag's side are looking to get their campaign back on track on Saturday afternoon against Nottingham Forest, where he will hope to see a better showing from Fernandes in his capacity of player and skipper.
Morelife_187
1043
This is a fact bro I feel like varane or onana or even casemiro should of been captain Bruno argue too much and complain a lot and when he is complaining is whe. He is playing at his worst I don’t know why he would think he is playing at his best 🤷🏽♂️
AJBeatsjr
693
A captain needs to be calm and able to lighten the composure of his teammates at the toughest of times but Fernandes is just the total opposite of all that He doubles the pressure on his teammates and it’s really negative and unhealthy
Kemyy
495
I agree with you 💯 percent on this,his body language, his antincs,instead of immediately running to win the ball back after losing it himself he throws his hands in the air in frustration, and blaming his team mates for not been here or there,It's a very bad attitude and not exemplary at all, he is the reason our front players don't win any ball when they press the opponents,he loses our misplace a pass and then he is walking and shouting as a captain, and you expect Rashford, Sancho,Anthony and the rest to do what? He is setting a very bad example for the rest to follow and Ten Hag and his coaches should stop that before it escalates.
Homiknoprt
385
all ths is because he's not an English player, did Maguire merited United armband, ? NO , did you people complain and murmur, NO, does Maguire playing standard deserve United first eleven,? NO, after United first two league games last season were they having a point,? NO, the major problem of bruno is that he hates to lose which's the primary target of any team the wants to achieve something great, but 90%of United present squad lacks that which causes him to be frustrated most of the time, the present team lacks the zeal and determination to win, they're so relaxed and lazy, people can hate him, it's normal no human is liked by everyone but don't use football issues to cover yours.
midestivah
362
I don't like to talk about this because am a Chelsea fan, Bruno Fernandez is an arrogant person,His arrogance towards Ronaldo led to Ronaldo's poor form in Man UTD,I remember vividly when United got a PK during a match, Bruno dragged the ball with Ronaldo,played and missed the PK,but because Ronaldo has a lot of haters,they took side with Fernandez and said Ronaldo is dragging Man UTD back,he should consider himself lucky to share the same dressing room with the goat.
Ikm33
360
For anyone that comes with their penny opinions- United made the better player the captain, not the better leader!!!!!