Bruno Fernandes has been hailed as a ‘proper captain’ by fans after Manchester United’s dramatic victory over Liverpool.
The Portuguese has faced questions over his suitability for the captaincy, with iconic former United captain Roy Keane insisting the 29-year-old is ‘the opposite to what I would want in a captain’.
But Fernandes showed his leadership qualities during the frantic finale to Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final tie at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford had the chance to score a last-gasp winner in normal time but steered his effort wide with the goal at his mercy.
The under-fire forward, who has endured a turbulent campaign on and off the field, showed his frustration following the miss.
The moment when Bruno went over to Rashford after he missed that chance in the last seconds and told him to keep his head up.
Having clocked his exasperation, Fernandes ran over to rally him ahead of extra-time against Liverpool.
Midfielder Scott McTominay, who had scored the opening goal, also ran over to console his team-mate.
Rashford went on to score a vital goal in extra-time to draw the tie level at 3-3 before Amad Diallo’s winner.
And fans were quick praise Fernandes for his role.
One fan said: ‘A proper leader. You don’t learn this, it comes naturally.’
A second added: ‘Yet people will criticise him saying he’s not captain material.’
Another said: ‘A proper captain. Love them both.’
When sharing a snap of the night’s affairs on Instagram, Fernandes commented: ‘Told you’.
Asked if he had ever seen scenes like that at Old Trafford before, captain Fernandes said: ‘I think the last year probably against Liverpool, it was the turnaround of last season and kind of the same.
‘Today the game got a little bit spicy, a little more special because it’s an FA Cup game and if you lose, you’re out.
‘We know the rivalry between fans, we know how United fans wanted us to win the game to give us something to celebrate because it’s not been great for us.’
The key victory Fernandes referenced came in August 2022 after Ten Hag began his United reign with defeats to Brighton and Brentford.
That season ended up with Carabao Cup glory, reaching the FA Cup final and a third-placed league finish and the Dutchman hopes Sunday can be the turning point after several false dawns as they look to chase down a Champions League finish.
‘We’ve talked about turnarounds but have never done the next step,’ Fernandes said. ‘But I think we have to understand the FA Cup is a thing and the Premier League is another on.
