Bruno Fernandes played a big role as Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux Stadium on Thursday evening.
The United captain was sent off for a second bookable offence two minutes after the restart, leading to Wolves maximising their superior numbers to secure the victory.
The home side cranked up the pressure and eventually broke the deadlock through Matheus Cunha, who scored from a corner kick.
Fernandes has now received three red cards across all competitions this season. He is the first Man United player to do so since Nemanja Vidic did the same in the 2008/2009 campaign.
United were a bit better than Wolves in the first half, but the momentum swung completely after the captain was sent off.
He has been criticised for his role in yesterday’s defeat, with some questioning his leadership.
One of his critics is journalist Henry Winter, who has claimed that Harry Maguire was a better captain than the Portuguese.
At his best, Fernandes is one of the club’s best players. He ranks first for accurate long balls, key passes and total shots per game in the league this season.
However, he should be doing better as the club’s captain. It is unacceptable that he has received three red cards midway into the season.
He has at least stopped showing dissent towards referees. He had received four yellow cards for dissent at this stage last season. He has yet to receive one this term.
The 30-year-old can also stop with his rash tackles, which are costly for United. When the club needs someone to deliver, he should be one of the go-to players.
Besides his poor discipline, he is United’s most careless player in possession. He is being dispossessed 16.6 times per game, the highest in the squad.
For proper context, Diogo Dalot ranks second. The Portuguese defender is being dispossessed 11.8 times per game.
His talent and ability are never in doubt, but he has to show a better attitude and be more disciplined to become one of the club’s best-ever captains.
Stats from sofascore.com & transfermarkt.com
Article written by Henry Thornton .
