Bruno Fernandes divides opinion like few Manchester United captains before him. To critics like Roy Keane, his arm-waving frustration is a lack of leadership. To Phil Bardsley, it’s proof he’s burning himself out trying to drag United out of mediocrity while United continues to falter and is miles away from glory ever since their last Premier League title in 2013.
The former United full-back didn’t mince words. “In any other team, he’d be winning trophies,” Bardsley told Boyle Sports. “He’s probably sacrificing his own career to help United get back where they want to be.” The stats back the hype as well: 16 goals, 9 assists, and a work rate that’s unmatched in a squad languishing 13th in the Premier League.
But Bardsley understands Keane’s critique that Fernandes’s body language falls short of United’s captaincy standards resonates with fans. “Roy’s right – Bruno can do more, but those [frustrated] reactions? That’s him wanting to win. It’s his personality.” He added.
Keane’s legendary no-nonsense leadership casts a long shadow. For him, a captain’s job isn’t to look angry but to inspire, something he believes Fernandes struggles with amid United’s chaos. Yet Gary Pallister, another Old Trafford icon, argues context matters: “If Bruno played in a better team, we’d be raving about him. He’s fighting to be his best in a struggling side.”
United’s season now hinges on the Europa League. A quarter-final against Lyon offers a trophy lifeline and a chance to qualify for the Champions League next season. For Fernandes, it’s personal. “He’ll be instrumental in getting United back up the table,” Bardsley insisted, but continental glory could redefine his legacy. At 29, Fernandes’s prime years are ticking away. With INEOS’ rebuild looming under Ruben Amorim, does he stick around for another project? Or push for a move to a club matching his ambition? Bardsley warned about United without Bruno, “I’d be scared to see where United would be without him.”