The Burden should be taken off him — Gary Neville

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has expressed reservations about whether Bruno Fernandes is truly enjoying his role as the captain of the Premier League club.

Neville has gone so far as to suggest that the Portugal midfielder may choose to relinquish the captain’s armband at the end of the season.

Fernandes was appointed as the team’s skipper by manager Erik ten Hag during the summer, taking over the role from Harry Maguire.

However, the 29-year-old has faced criticism for his animated on-field behavior, drawing the ire of both fans and pundits. Notably, even United captain Roy Keane has joined the chorus of those calling for a potential change in leadership.

Gary Neville shared his perspective on the matter while speaking with Webby & O’Neill, saying,

“I can see exactly where Roy is coming from because, honestly, I think if you said to Bruno at this moment in time, ‘Would you want to be captain?’ [he would say no].”

Neville continued by acknowledging Fernandes’ exceptional skills as a player but suggested that the burden of trying to be everything to everyone on the pitch seems to weigh heavily on him, accompanied by visible emotion.

“He’s a brilliant player; I think Roy said on Sunday that he’s an absolutely fantastic player. But, for me, it feels like he’s trying to be everything and everybody on the pitch and he carries that emotion with him.”