THREE other Man United players have reportedly been identified as captain material over Bruno Fernandes.
Concerns have arisen over Fernandes‘ ability to lead the team following his actions in the defeat to Liverpool.
Bruno Fernandes reportedly faces a fight to earn the permanent captaincy of Man UnitedRex
GettyCasemiro, Raphael Varane and David De Gea are reportedly considered as potential captains[/caption]
The 28-year-old was seen heading straight down the tunnel after the humiliating 7-0 defeat to the Reds on Sunday.
Fernandes was also thought to have asked to be subbed during the game, however, he has since denied that was the case.
While there is no immediate risk to his possession of the armband at the moment, the chance for him to be named the next permanent captain have taken a blow.
The Portuguese midfielder has been leading the team on the pitch after Harry Maguire fell out of the starting XI.
The England international is expected to leave the Old Trafford side this summer, meaning that there would be an opening as the club captain.
According to The Daily Mail, Casemiro, Raphael Varane and David De Gea are seen as potential options to take up the role.
Varane displayed his leadership traits against Liverpool.
The French defender could be seen after the game encouraging his team-mates to go over and applaud the fans that had stayed till after the full time whistle at Anfield.
De Gea is one of the longest-serving players at the club, having arrived at the club in 2011 from Atletico Madrid.
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The report suggests that the next captain will not be picked based on just popularity.
However, it does say that a popular player could help nurture “a collective team spirit” among the squad.
Paul Scholes defended Fernandes after his performance against Liverpool.
He said: “I actually feel sorry for Fernandes when he’s played.
“He’s been pushed out to many positions to do a job for the team, he was on the left today, he’s been on the right, he’s played through the middle, he has been a little bit all over the place.
“You can’t say any of the players performed the way they should have done but I thought he was especially poor today, it wasn’t his greatest afternoon.”