Emmanuel Petit has criticised Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, calling him a “diva” and suggesting that Kobbie Mainoo could be the future leader of the team.
The former Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona star praised Fernandes for his skill with the ball but questioned his suitability as captain due to his on-field conduct.
Petit noted that Fernandes frequently displays frustration towards his teammates during difficult moments, pointing to his behavior during United’s 7-0 loss to Liverpool in March 2023 as a prime example of his unsatisfactory leadership.
During an interview on Drive, Petit remarked: “I think he’s a good player, but I think he’s a diva.
He acts like a diva sometimes, not like a captain – he wears the armband, but if I’m honest with you, if I’m a teammate in the dressing room and you see the way he’s behaving sometimes on the pitch with his arms all the time complaining, you don’t want that from your captain.
You don’t want that from your teammate and you don’t expect that from your leaders.”
Petit suggested that Fernandes’ performance and demeanour have changed since signing his new bumper contract at Old Trafford.
“I was very impressed during COVID-19 without fans in the ground because he was amazing game after game,” he said. “But he signed a new contract and I saw him with Portugal as well and sometimes I get annoyed when I watch him on TV.
I just want to get into the TV and just play in front of him as an opponent to shake him on the pitch.”
When asked who he would choose as Manchester United captain instead of Fernandes, Petit had a surprising suggestion.
He highlighted Kobbie Mainoo, a rising star in United’s ranks, as a potential future leader as the 18-year-old has impressed many with his mature performances and calmness on the field.
“It’s hard to find the right leader in the team, but the best player so far this season is the youngest one or even (Alejandro) Garnacho,” Petit said, referring to Mainoo.
“I think Mainoo has the potential to wear the armband but he’s too young.”
Bruno Fernandes’ exceptional vision has established him as the key orchestrator in Manchester United’s midfield, with the Portuguese star racking up an impressive 79 goals and 67 assists across 237 games.
He is set to return to action in their upcoming match against newly-promoted Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, September 14.