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Manchester United FC v Liverpool FC - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport
Harry Sherlock

'How can he lead?' - Erik ten Hag urged to strip Bruno Fernandes of Man Utd captaincy as former Premier League boss warns it's 'dangerous' to keep armband on Portuguese star

B. Fernandes
Manchester United
Liverpool
Match
Manchester United vs Liverpool
E. ten Hag
Premier League

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been told to strip Bruno Fernandes of the club captaincy by former Premier League manager Alan Pardew.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Fernandes disappointing in Liverpool defeat
  • Pardew says him being captain is 'dangerous'
  • Ten Hag urged to strip him of armband

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Pardew believes that Fernandes simply does not have the ability to lead the team because he is too "technical", and can have off days in which he struggles to impact games. United were thumped 3-0 by Liverpool at Old Trafford, and the former Newcastle boss believes Fernandes should not be given the responsibility to captain the club.

  • Manchester United FC v Fulham FC - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Pardew has urged Ten Hag to make a bold decision and strip the Portugal international of the armband as United look to bounce back from their Reds loss, as he believes it would effectively free Fernandes up to be focus more on his game.

  • WHAT PARDEW SAID

    Pardew told talkSPORT: "You've got your skipper out there, you've got a technical skipper, when you've got a technician as a skipper, I think it's always dangerous because they're going to have off games. Even [Christian] Eriksen in his prime, [Michel] Platini in his prime, they'd have the off day. They were technical players."

    He added: "[Against Liverpool], it was never Fernandes because [United] never had the ball enough. Defensively, he's not been called upon. How can he lead the team? It's a very difficult one for him.

    "I actually think it would be better for him as a footballer to take it off him. I think it might free him up a bit, let him be a bit more free-minded. He's probably worrying about the back four, worrying about the wingers. You don't really know how to deal with it.

    "I don't know, I think it's a hamper to him."

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  • Erik ten Hag Manchester United 2024-25Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT?

    After the international break, United return to action against Southampton on September 14. They are currently 14th in the Premier League table.

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31 Oct 2026

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