Bruno Fernandes behaved like a brat at Liverpool in 2023, but fast forward two seasons and he acted like a Manchester United captain should do as the Red Devils handed Ruben Amorim a huge victory
He wasn’t one of the three singled out for special praise by Ruben Amorim. But he should have been. Because Bruno Fernandes has had his fair share of criticism in the past. So he should be praised when he leads from the front in a significant win.
Setting the right example, instead of the wrong one. Back in 2023 on the same Anfield pitch, Fernandes produced some shameful behaviour in a humiliating 7-0 defeat. Pundits labelled him ’embarrassing’ and a ‘shambles’. Which felt a little kind at the time.
Because Fernandes brought shame on the famous badge of United that afternoon. He feigned injuries, remonstrated with officials during a second half which saw United concede six goals, pushed a linesman, and threw his arms up in the air from the centre circle when he realised it wasn’t him being substituted. He’d asked to be taken off.
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In short, Fernandes personified everything a team wouldn’t want its captain to be.
Instead of being a leader of men, Fernandes acted like a child. Resembling a kid in the school playground who’d had his conkers stamped on.
It wasn’t the first time Fernandes’s petulance had got the better of him – and wouldn’t be the last.
But at Anfield last weekend, the world of football witnessed the good Fernandes is capable of, instead of the bad and the downright ugly.
The Portuguese led with distinction this time, showing the kind of attitude and work rate that should be the norm for a United captain.
He didn’t allow his temperament to let him or his team-mates down. But he has now set the standards he will have to maintain on a constant basis. And not just in the games that mean more to United, like a clash at Liverpool obviously does.
Can Fernandes back this up with a similar display of leadership when Brighton visit Old Trafford this weekend? Because if he can, he might just have turned a corner.
He might just have finally grown up – at the ripe old age of 31.
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