Erik ten Hag might be left with the plain selection of appointing Bruno Fernandes as the subsequent Manchester United captain if Tottenham full a transfer for Red Devils skipper Harry Maguire in the summertime. The Portuguese star is United's vice-captain and has been filling in for Maguire throughout his absence from the primary crew.

There had been issues over whether or not Fernandes was match to put on the armband after his emotional outburst throughout United's humiliating 7-0 loss to Liverpool within the league final season. Fernandes was seen moaning and throwing his arms up within the air when he ought to have been lifting his facet.

United icons Robbie Keane and Gary Neville weren't impressed by his theatrics. "Fernandes' body language today was nothing short of disgraceful," mentioned Keane. "A really talented boy, he's your captain, but his body language, waving his arms, not running back, you wouldn't be happy with him in your dressing room."

Gary Neville added: "Bruno Fernandes is stood within the centre circle along with his arms raised asking‘Why is it me not coming off?' Honestly, I have to say some of his behaviour in the second half has been a disgrace.

"The second half has been an absolute disgrace, a shambles. Epitomised by no one more than the captain Bruno Fernandes, who I think has been embarrassing at times in this game."

However, Ten Hag chose to stick by his player. When asked whether Fernandes would remain in his role in the immediate aftermath of the game, the Reds manager replied: "Yes, definitely. He’s taking part in an excellent season, he’s had a very necessary position in why we’re within the place the place we're he’s giving power to the crew, not solely operating loads on the highest depth however the best approach and proper course.

"He’s coaching players, he’s an inspiration, but no-one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, we have to learn, he has to learn, he will because he’s intelligent. I’m happy to have Bruno Fernandes in the team and that he’s captain when Harry isn’t on the pitch."

Many critics had instructed that Marcus Rashford can be a greater match as vice-captain however the Englishman was fast to again Fernandes as properly, and described his teammate as a 'good chief'. With the backing of his supervisor and the gamers it's doubtless Fernandes might be promoted to first-choice captain offering Spurs snap up Maguire.

It is known that the north Londoners are open to entertaining the concept of swapping Harry Kane for Maguire plus money this summer season as they appear to strengthen their backline.