Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has blasted Reds midfield ace Bruno Fernandes, criticising his leadership qualities and describing him as a "really selfish person".
The Portuguese has sported the captain's armband for most of this season in the frequent absence of Harry Maguire. He has grown in stature with the captain's armband on and has played a key role in the Reds enjoying a successful campaign.
Supported by summer signings Christian Eriksen and Casemiro in the engine room, the attacking-midfielder has gone about his duties in a much more unassuming and unnoticed manner, all while still having a big impact on United's way of playing. But with Eriksen sidelined for several months through injury and Casemiro currently suspended, Fernandes had to make do without the duo against Leeds United on Wednesday night.
READ MORE: United are failing to solve a problem Erik ten Hag has already warned them about
In their absences, manager Erik ten Hag deployed January signing Marcel Sabitzer, who earned his full debut, and Fred alongside Fernandes in midfield. And Parker has admitted that he "felt sorry" for the Austrian having to play with Fernandes.
"I felt sorry for Marcel Sabitzer that he had to play together with Bruno Fernandes, who is a maniac that goes 200mph like a headless chicken," Parker told Apostagolos. "Bruno Fernandes has the armband but he doesn't act like a leader.
"He should lead by example and not get mad when things aren't going his way. He is a really selfish person and on the pitch he is erratic. He is very, very erratic. He has to start doing what a captain should do but honestly, I don't expect him to improve. Not personality wise and not football wise.
"Now I start to understand why Man United is his first big club in Europe. Obviously, no other club has ever wanted him at their club. The fans might not notice it as much but a football person does and sooner or later, Erik ten Hag will notice as well."
Win a pair of tickets to the Premier League or Women's Super League match of your choosing! Enter by clicking here!
READ NEXT:
