Emmanuel Petit labelled Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as a "diva" and tipped Kobbie Mainoo as the future Red Devils skipper.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Petit does not like Fernandes' off-the-ball anticsTends to get frustrated with his teammatesBacked Mainoo to take on the armband in futureWHAT HAPPENED?
Petit, who is renowned for his illustrious career with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona, believes that while Fernandes is a treat to watch with the ball at his feet, his behaviour on the pitch does not make him a suitable captain for the Red Devils. The Portuguese is often seen venting out his frustration on his teammates when the going gets tough and was especially slammed for his body language when Erik ten Hag's men were thrashed 7-0 by Liverpool in March 2023.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT PETIT SAID
During an interview on , Petit remarked: "I think he’s a good player but I think he’s a diva. He acts like a diva sometimes, not like a captain – he wears the armband but if I’m honest with you, if I’m a teammate in the dressing room and you see the way he’s behaving sometimes on the pitch with his arms all the time complaining, you don’t want that from your captain. You don’t want that from your teammate and you don’t expect that from your leaders."
Petit suggested that Fernandes' performance and demeanour have changed since signing his new bumper contract at Old Trafford.
“I was very impressed during COVID-19 without fans in the ground because he was amazing game after game," he said. "But he signed a new contract and I saw him with Portugal as well and sometimes I get annoyed when I watch him on TV. I just want to get into the TV and just play in front of him as an opponent to shake him on the pitch.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
When asked who he would choose as Manchester United captain instead of Fernandes, Petit had a surprising suggestion. He highlighted Kobbie Mainoo, a rising star in United's ranks, as a potential future leader as the 18-year-old has impressed many with his mature performances and calmness on the field.
"It’s hard to find the right leader in the team, but the best player so far this season is the youngest one or even (Alejandro) Garnacho," Petit said, referring to Mainoo.
“I think Mainoo has the potential to wear the armband but he’s too young."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDES?
Fernandes' vision has made him the primary architect in United's midfield and the Portuguese playmaker has contributed significantly to the cause with an impressive tally of 79 goals and 67 assists in 237 appearances. He will be back in action for their next fixture against newly-promoted Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, September 14.
