Bruno Fernandes will captain Manchester United in their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday evening.The appointment completes a remarkable rise for Fernandes at Old Trafford. He’s become one of the most important players in the squad, and a true leader, in less than a year.The Portuguese midfielder was hit with the news that he will wear the armband during Monday’s press conference, and in doing so became the first professional footballer to be appointed captain on a Zoom call.“The captain sits next to me,” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said, to Fernandes’ surprise.“Bruno will captain the team tomorrow.”The 26-year-old was completely unaware.“I was not expecting this,” he said. “I found out this the same time as you!”
Fernandes is a born leader
Since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in January, Fernandes has adopted a leadership role even without wearing the armband.
It was reported that he criticised his teammates and Solskjaer’s tactics during a fierce half-time exchange in United’s 6-1 defeat to Tottenham before the international break.
“I think I grew up like this,” he added on Monday. “It’s the way I have to be in life and in football too. It’s my character.
“Sometimes it’s too much and sometimes other players are less confident. I think I can help the team with the way I am.”
Fernandes snaps at Telles
Man United have been crying out for leaders ever since Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit in 2013 and they’ve got a good one in Fernandes.
A clip has emerged of the playmaker losing his cool with summer signing Alex Telles in a training drill ahead of the PSG clash.
The players are taking part in a rondo when Fernandes snaps at Telles for failing to move the ball on quickly enough.
Telles gives a little back to his teammate, too.
The video has gone down well with United supporters, who are praising Fernandes for trying to maintain high levels of performance.
It's easy to see why Solskjaer has entrusted Fernandes with the armband against PSG. Don't be surprise if it doesn't become a permanent thing, either.