ARSENAL legend Emmanuel Petit slammed “diva” Bruno Fernandes because he “highlights” the problems at Manchester United.
United’s woes have continued this season, with boss Erik ten Hag already under fire, after losing two of their three Premier League matches after their 1-0 opening win over Fulham.
Petit, however, insists Ten Hag shouldn’t be carrying all of the blame as senior players, such as Fernandes, are not rising to the occasion.
The France legend criticised the playmaker’s behaviour on the pitch as he’s “always crying” when things get tough instead of motivating his team-mates.
That is why Petit is adamant the Portugal international should be stripped of the captain’s armband and encouraged Ten Hag to hand it over to Kobbie Mainoo.
The Arsenal hero understands Mainoo, 19, is very young but he’s already the “pride” of Old Trafford.
Petit told topoffshoresportsbooks.com: “For me, Bruno Fernandes is a player that highlights the problems at Manchester United.
“Most of the time, I don’t like the way he behaves on the pitch. He acts like a diva.
“He doesn’t help or encourage his team-mates when the chips are down.
“When Manchester United are suffering, he’s always crying; always showing his disappointment.
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“That is not what you expect from your captain. You’re expecting more encouragement, leadership. Someone that brings positivity.
“United’s best players have been the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
“It would be a bold move, but If I’m Ten Hag, maybe I would make a strong decision and appoint the future of the club as my captain.
”Mainoo is young, but he’s English. He’s establishing himself in the national team. He’s the pride of the fans at Old Trafford.”
Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten Hag
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.