Overview

• John Aldridge argued Manchester United would improve with a different captain, calling Fernandes impetuous and unworthy of the armband.
• The criticism follows United's penalty-shootout defeat to League Two Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup, which came after last season's 15th-place league finish.
• Fernandes missed a key penalty in a draw at Fulham this season but also converted a stoppage-time winner against Burnley as his temperament and bookings draw focus.
• Despite the debate, Fernandes remains central to United’s attack, having led the league in chances created and amassed 112 direct goal contributions since 2020.
• Aldridge also questioned manager Ruben Amorim’s job security, while separate reports this summer linked Al-Hilal with a £100m bid for Fernandes.