Peter Schmeichel claims Bruno Fernandes “didn’t want” Manchester United’s captaincy in 2023

In a stunning claim, former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has said Bruno Fernandes “did not want” the captain’s armband.

Bruno Fernandes became the captain of Manchester United in the summer of 2023 after Erik ten Hag stripped Harry Maguire of the role ahead of his second season in charge.

Many had seen this decision coming after Maguire was relegated to a squad role during the 2022/23 season. Fernandes was the acting captain when the English midfielder was not on the field.

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The pair lifted the 2023 Carabao Cup trophy together, and once Fernandes was officially the club captain, he lifted the 2024 FA Cup trophy by himself. But, the Portuguese star has been criticised so far in the 2024/25 season for his performances.

Fernandes has faced back-to-back red cards against Tottenham and FC Porto, although the former was overturned. Still, this has led to pundits and fans criticising his leadership skills.

In an interview with A Bola, former United goalkeeper and club legend Peter Schmeichel has now claimed that the captaincy was “forced” upon Fernandes, and that an in an ideal world, he wouldn’t want it.

“I think that is very unfair to Bruno,” Schmeichel declared when asked about the criticism about his leadership and his competence.

“They removed Harry Maguire as captain and forced Bruno to have it. He didn’t want it. Being captain of Manchester United is a big responsibility, and there is a lot of focus on you. I think he wanted to focus on his game.

“I’m not saying he is having problems being captain, but I think it took something away from him, at the beginning. Bruno is one of the best players I have ever seen. What he can do, how he can assist, how he can score goals, he really is a super player.

“The problem he has, the problem Manchester United has with Bruno is that he doesn’t have a position. He is not a number six, he is more of a number eight or ten. And the system is not designed for him.

“And sometimes, because of the way he is, he tries to get into areas where he shouldn’t because that’s his natural reaction. He wants to be in space to have the ball and people criticise him for that.

“I think that’s unfair because I think that’s his strength. There’s a system and there’s someone who can break out of it and surprise the opposition. But, I mean, Manchester United without Bruno… I don’t see it.”

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