Captain Bruno Fernandes has been in the firing line following his team's dismal 3-0 loss to Tottenham.Manchester United approached the new season with hopes of rejuvenation; Erik ten Hag was given a boost with a one-year contract extension, and the squad was strengthened by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Yet, a paltry seven points from six games is seeing the panic button being hit.
Fernandes has become the personification of the chaos and lack of confidence engulfing the squad, embodied by his poor performance this season and high challenge on James Maddison which resulted in a red card - though later appealed successfully. His current situation also draws parallels to the flak he faced for his underwhelming beginning to the 2022/23 season.
Former striker-now-pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor lambasted the Portuguese talent two years ago, and his sentiments were supposedly echoed by the United dressing room at that time - and may still be to this day.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Speaking to talkSPORT following United's troubled start in 2022, suffering defeats to Brighton and a 4-0 thumping by Brentford, Agbonlahor commented: "For me, Fernandes, since he's been in the Premier League, yes he's had great stats, goalscoring and assists but he looks like the worst team-mate.
"Every time a player gives it away, every time he gives it away, he throws his arms up at his team-mates, he throws his arms up at the bench.
"I've played with players like him, you'd be fuming at him. He'll press now and then. If that was Paul Pogba, they would be slaughtering Pogba in the media. Fernandes gets away with murder. Did you see Fernandes do anything? It's easy to say Maguire, Ronaldo, Rashford, Sancho.
"Fernandes, for me, I can't remember the last time he had a decent game. He's always the one that's throwing his arms up in the air. Even when he gives it away. He could pass it to you but pass it out of play and he'd blame you. That's the sort of player Fernandes is. The worst possible team-mate."
In a damning report at the time, The Daily Mail claimed that instead of defending their team-mate against such harsh criticism, some of Fernandes' peers were growing increasingly frustrated with him. Following United's next victory over rivals Liverpool, it was reported that several players were 'irritated' by Fernandes' behaviour in the game.
The midfielder's constant complaining and an incident where he appeared to push a linesman in the back were cited as issues causing discontent among his team-mates. Additionally, his dramatic reaction to a minor scuffle with Ibrahima Konate did not go unnoticed.
Two years on, it appears that Fernandes has made little progress in improving his teamwork skills, as evidenced by the poor performance against Spurs, leaving his co-stars at a disadvantage for more than half the match, reports the Mirror.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Ex-United defender Gary Neville was a critic of Fernandes whilst talking on Sky Sports after the first half against Spurs, evidencing that little has changed for the Portugeuse. He said: "It is one of the worst performances I’ve seen in Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United, and that’s saying something.
"It's been really bad. And he will not be able to believe what he's watched, his captain sent off. When players react like that, it means something has gone on that we haven't seen initially. He's gone knee-high Bruno Fernandes. I think he slips just before the tackle, but he's not going to get away with it."
Despite the red card being rescinded after an appeal, Bruno Fernandes' dismissal has helped cast a darker shadow over manager Erik ten Hag's future. Rumours are swirling that the Dutchman may only have two matches left to save his job as head coach, leaving the club in a conundrum post-transfer window, as they're unable to improve the squad until January.
Eyes will be on how Fernandes rallies after his sending-off was overturned, with vital matches coming up for United. They face FC Porto in the Europa League before tackling Aston Villa away in the Premier League prior to October's international break.