Man United: Micah Richards slams 'pathetic' Bruno Fernandes for 'disturbing his teammates' with antics

Man United: Micah Richards slams 'pathetic' Bruno Fernandes for 'disturbing his teammates' with antics

Faruq Ibrahim 17:28 - 23.08.2023

Bruno Fernandes' leadership skills comes under question as Micah Richards calls him pathetic and emotional.

Ex-Manchester City footballer Micah Richards has criticised Bruno Fernandes' leadership skills, suggesting the Portugal international has to keep his emotions in check so as not to affect his teammates. 

The 28-year-old assumed the mantle of leadership officially this season after Harry Maguire was stripped of the captaincy, but he wore the band for the majority of the last campaign as the England international was sparingly in the team. 

Bruno's leadership skills have been previously scrutinised by a number of pundits, with Micah's remarks being the latest. 

Bruno Fernandes is the new skipper at Manchester United. (Photo Credit: Man United/Twitter)
Bruno Fernandes is the new skipper at Manchester United. (Photo Credit: Man United/Twitter)

What Micah Richards said about Bruno Fernandes 

The Red Devils lost their second league game of the season away at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Despite an impressive first-half, Erik ten Hag's side lost the match 2-0 after a Pape Matar Sarr strike and a Lisandro Martinez own goal. 

Young Facundo Pellistri was brought in around the 85th-minute mark for Mason Mount in an attempt to remedy the situation, but he could offer little change to the outcome. 

It is a change of baton at United as Bruno Fernandes takes over from Harry Maguire as skipper.
It is a change of baton at United as Bruno Fernandes takes over from Harry Maguire as skipper.
Bruno Fernandes in action for Manchester United against Tottenham || Imago
Bruno Fernandes in action for Manchester United against Tottenham || Imago

Bruno, the captain of the team, seemed to have been upset by the game's state, and after an offensive move that broke down, he was seen berating the young Uruguayan.

In a conversation with The Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards criticised Fernandes' "emotional" leadership style.

He believes that Bruno was venting his frustrations on his teammate and suggests that his attitude is a burden to the squad.

“It's getting embarrassing now,” he said, per the Daily Mail.

“The young lad Pellistri comes on. Fernandes is trying to get his team playing, and I totally understand he's frustrated.  

“Pellistri made a run; Fernandes didn't see him, and [so] he made a different run but because he wasn't where [Fernandes] wanted him to be, he's going off at Pellestri.

“It's every time.' He continued: 'I saw an interview with him the other day and he said he needs to be emotional when he performs because it makes him play better. 

“But I feel like his body language on the pitch is disturbing the rest of the team and it's just not a good look at all. It's pathetic at times.”

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