Few, if any, Manchester United players emerged from Sunday's chastening 7-0 defeat against Liverpool with any credit.
But the behaviour of stand-in captain Bruno Fernandes has quickly become the main talking point of a torrid afternoon that will unfortunately live long in the memory of anyone associated with Manchester United.
Fernandes, like a handful of other players at the club, has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance since the arrival of Erik ten Hag. The Portuguese playmaker has shown shades of the form that made him one of United's most influential players back in 2020 and has even been handed the captain's armband in the absence of Harry Maguire.
The 28-year-old's return to form had not gone unnoticed by his manager, either. Ten Hag was quick to express how crucial Fernandes is and how he has led by example this season. Speaking last month, the Dutchman said: “Bruno can cope with load standards that are really high and can take a lot of games. He is a very fit player and so important for this team.
“First as captain, he’s an example on the pitch with the energy he puts in, and for our tactical approach in both the transition moments. Bruno is so important for this team. He’s a great example for everyone in the squad.”
Unfortunately for Ten Hag, his stand-in skipper badly let him down on Sunday afternoon.
Those high standards that Ten Hag spoke of just weeks ago completely evaporated admist the cauldron of intensity that is Anfield on derby day. Fernandes, like so many others around him, lost his cool - but nobody let their frustrations boil over as clearly and as petulantly as he did.
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Unsurprisingly, Fernandes was heavily scrutinised after the match. Manchester United icons Roy Keane and Gary Neville were analysing the match for Sky Sports and neither of them were impressed with the demeanour of the Red Devils captain.
Neville, who was on commentary duty, said towards the end of the match: “The second half has been an absolute disgrace, a shambles. Epitomised by no-one more than the captain Bruno Fernandes, who I think has been embarrassing at times in this game but I have to say it’s not their usual performance, spirit or form and he [Erik ten Hag] will deal with it very quickly.”
Keane was also less than impressed with Fernandes. The Irishman said: “Fernandes' body language today was disgraceful. A really talented boy, he’s your captain - so much talent - but the body language, waving his arms around and not running back, you wouldn’t be happy with him in that dressing room, let me tell you.
“United, the senior players were...use all the words, embarrassing. Didn't show any leadership skills, particularly the senior players. The goals they gave away were shocking. Tough, tough day for United. Thank god I've never been part of a team that's been beaten by that much playing for Manchester United.”
