ERIK TEN HAG has been urged to STRIP Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United captaincy in order to “free him.”
Fernandes inherited the armband from Harry Maguire last summer – at the start of Ten Hag’s second season in charge.
The Dutchman is now in his third campaign at Old Trafford and suffered a horror 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool over the weekend.
United came under criticism with captain Fernandes among those in the firing line.
And former Premier League manager Alan Pardew claimed the midfielder would actually benefit without the responsibilities of being captain.
Pardew said on talkSPORT: “Today, it was never Fernandes because they never had the ball enough.
“Defensively, he’s not been called upon. How can he lead the team? It’s a very difficult one for him.
“I actually think it would be better for him as a footballer to take it off him.
“I think it might free him up a bit, let him be a bit more free-minded. He’s probably worrying about the back four, worrying about the wingers.
“You don’t really know how to deal with it. I don’t know, I think it’s a hamper to him.”
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Fernandes’ midfield partner Casemiro was hauled off at half-time against Liverpool after his error led to the visitor’s opener.
But Fernandes showed his leadership by rallying behind the Brazilian, SunSport can reveal.
Fernandes told the squad everyone had to take responsibility for a performance which many pundits think could spell the beginning of the end for manager Ten Hag.
