Micah Richards claims he’s spotted Bruno Fernandes tactic during Man Utd losses and says it’s ‘staggering to see’
MICAH RICHARDS has claimed that Bruno Fernandes has a “staggering” tactic when Manchester United are losing.
The Portuguese star was on the losing side in the Manchester derby as Man City ran out 3-0 winners at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Fernandes, 29, was picked out for criticism by pundits such as Roy Keane for his performance.
Richards has now also suggested that the Red Devils’ captain starts “playing for himself” when the side is losing.
The former Man City star claimed that Fernandes will run out of position to try and endear himself to the fans when it might not be the most effective use of himself.
Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast: “Have you noticed what Fernandes does though?
“When Man United go behind, and he is not having a good game, what he does is he starts running around trying to get the crowd on side.
“He is running out of position trying to get everyone to believe that he is working really hard for the team, but really he is just playing for himself. It was staggering to see.
“Then, every decision that goes against United, his arms are up in the air.
“As a captain, I don’t know if the pressure is too much, but it is not quite working out.”
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Richard’s question marks over Fernandes’ ability to captain United were backed up by Keane.
The club legend has demanded that manager Erik ten Hag strips the midfielder of the armband.
Keane claimed that Fernandes “is not captain material” and that it would be in the Dutchman’s best interest to take action.
Fernandes was named captain in the summer after Harry Maguire was relieved of the responsibility.
He was unable to change the course of the derby as Erling Haaland scored twice and added an assist for Phil Foden in front of the Old Trafford crowd.
United remain eighth despite the defeat, while City move to within two points of league leaders Tottenham and level with Arsenal.
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