Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already given Man Utd a big heads-up about Bruno Fernandes as an important choice is coming up.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once shared why he chose Harry Maguire to be captain at Manchester United instead of Bruno Fernandes.
Bruno’s future at Old Trafford feels uncertain since his contract runs until June 2027. Things got trickier after he spoke out following United’s tough 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League. Bruno questioned the coach Michael Carrick’s tactics, suggesting it was wrong not to use a man-to-man press against the strong Italian team.
Right now, Man United hasn’t won in seven games across all competitions, and the team’s poor performances are putting a lot of pressure on Carrick. Last season, Bruno was amazing with a record 21 assists in the Premier League, but this season he’s struggled. His only goal contribution so far came during a big 5-2 win over Ipswich Town in August, when he scored three goals and helped set up another. Since then, however, he hasn’t been involved in any goals in five league games.
Like some of his teammates, Bruno hasn’t shown the professionalism or drive to lift the team through these hard times. We can forgive him because he’s done it so many times before, but as captain, he should be setting the right example. Lately, though, his attitude both on and off the field hasn’t matched what’s expected. That’s why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explained he picked Harry Maguire as captain during his time managing the club from December 2018 to November 2021.
“I knew Bruno had what it takes to be captain,” Solskjaer said in March 2024. “He’s got the personality and skill, but he can get too passionate and lose control sometimes. I loved Harry Maguire as captain; he was the true leader for me at the club.”
Ole added, “Harry handled everything at Manchester United with top-class character. That’s what I want from players — people who stick it out, don’t give up at the first chance, and keep trying their best. I remember when Harry first trained with us — he stood out like a mountain and played well from the start, even though he got a lot of criticism later.”
Ole famously brought Fernandes to United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020. While Bruno has been one of the club’s best signings since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, his current attitude seems to be part of what’s gone wrong at Old Trafford lately.
Bruno became captain in July 2023 when Erik ten Hag gave him the armband. He often led the team well on the pitch, sometimes carrying United to wins almost single-handedly. But this season, the 32-year-old Portugal star has looked like a shadow of his former self, raising big questions about his future.
Bruno can extend his contract with United for another year after it ends next June, but the club would rather offer him an improved two-year deal. Still, because of his age, slipping form, and recent behaviour, the club might be second-guessing giving him a longer contract.
Liverpool made a similar mistake with Mohamed Salah, and if United do the same with Bruno, it could cost them down the road.