Manchester United are gearing up for a season that will surely define Erik ten Hag’s reign at the club, with his second campaign falling well short of his promising first term in charge.
The arrival of Ineos at the helm of all football operations has also generated some optimism, with some fans keen to see what impact the new regime can have.
They have already brought in two new faces in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro for a combined £88.5million, but it is one the club’s more established stars that has seen Souness double-down in his criticism for.
Speaking on William Hill’s Three Up Front podcast Souness once again singled out United captain Bruno Fernandes, and slammed the Portugal international’s leadership skills – or rather the perceived lack thereof.
When you look at leaders in the modern game, one example is at Manchester United which is one of the biggest institutions in world football,’ Souness said.
‘The club captain is Bruno Fernandes. When they were 3-0 down against Liverpool a couple of seasons ago, he just threw the towel in… he’s the captain! If anything, he should still be contributing, running around with enthusiasm and helping his teammates.
‘I don’t think Fernandes can change that aspect of himself – it’s part of him. When he’s shrugging his shoulders and throwing his arms around, that’s just him.’
He added: ‘I think leaders in the modern game tend to hide. They don’t want to put themselves out there, be held accountable, or stand up and take the blame. The most recent example was at the Euros.
‘When England were having a tough time with media it was (Jude) Bellingham – one of the youngest members of the group – who was up there talking to them on behalf of the team. He should’ve been one of the last ones to go up because it should’ve been the more senior players.’
Fernandes can frequently be seen flailing his arms, sulking, or acting petulantly on the pitch
He has frequently been seen flailing his arms or looking at the sky somewhat petulantly, or sulking during games.
However, there is no denying that he is his side’s best player, and the most important piece of Ten Hag’s set up.
The Dutchman handed Fernandes the armband last summer, taking it away from Harry Maguire who at the time had been linked with a move away, and was not as regular a fixture in
the starting side.