Despite the fact that Erik ten Hag now has three leaders at his disposal, Paul Scholes has backed current Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
With Harry Maguire struggling to hold onto a first-team spot, the Portuguese midfielder grabbed the armband on multiple occasions during the 2022/23 season. As a result, it came as no surprise when he was named full-time skipper this summer after England’s center back was permanently deprived of the honor.
However, his leadership abilities have been called into doubt during United’s opening four Premier League games, with the team faltering after losses at Tottenham and Arsenal. His manager, on the other hand, has argued that his playmaker’s ambition and quality make him the ideal choice.
And Scholes, who won 11 Premier League titles with United, has claimed he is the greatest candidate. He also indicated that his frequently theatrical behavior emphasized his determination.
“I know when Harry lost his captaincy, people were talking about Marcus (Rashford) – I never saw that,” he said on FIVE, a YouTube show. “Look, I don’t know him in the locker room, but he doesn’t strike me as a captain material.”
“Whereas Bruno, hasn’t he done it?” For the first time, I believe the squad has a number of leaders. You consider their experience, as well as the management they’ve hired. Real Madrid’s World Cup winner, Varane. Casemiro.
“Suddenly, there are three or four players on that team who are capable of serving as captain, and I believe Bruno is the best choice because he appears to be the one they all look up to.”
While United’s form has been called into question, the 28-year-old has been regarded as one of Ten Hag’s top performers. Despite the side’s struggles, Scholes, 48, claimed he was doing a “fantastic” job.
“He’s done a fantastic job as captain, and he looks like a leader; he’s the one who’s always trying to rally his team.” “I think it’s a fantastic choice.”
Fernandes is now on international duty in preparation for Portugal’s double-header for Euro 2024 qualification. On Friday, they travel to Slovakia before hosting Luxembourg the following Tuesday.
