Bruno Fernandes' potential exit from Manchester United could leave Erik ten Hag with a leadership void in his squad. The Dutch manager named Fernandes as Harry Maguire's skipper successor last season but may find himself short of vocal dressing room figures if the Portuguese star is tempted away by Paris Saint-Germain.
Fernandes, 29, was appointed captain to put some fire back in the bellies of United's stars, but Ligue 1 powerhouse PSG are understood to be targeting his services this summer. And it could mark the departure of yet another prominent member of the dressing room if the Portuguese playmaker was to accept a move away, reports The Mirror.
Ten Hag, 54, previously named David De Gea and Raphael Varane - both of whom have now left Old Trafford - as two of the strong voices he's held in high regard at United. Luke Shaw and Christian Eriksen were also mentioned by the manager as figures his group leans on during a rough patch in his maiden season at the helm.
Related articles
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
This issue was highlighted following a 6-3 defeat to Manchester City in October 2022, which led to a dressing room inquest. Scott McTominay and Lautaro Martinez were named by The Sun as being particularly vocal during this process, but Ten Hag omitted those names when highlighting his leaders later the same season.
"I have many leaders in De Gea, Varane, Eriksen and Shaw," said the coach before the team's 3-2 defeat to Arsenal back in January 2023. "I have no worries about leadership and with this team, we beat them the first time and in this team, we have confidence."
Fans will be hoping that the manager's perception of McTominay and Martinez has evolved, particularly at a time when strong leadership is needed in the dressing room.
Ten Hag enjoys a close rapport with World Cup-winner Lisandro Martinez following their time together at Ajax. However, the future of McTominay at Old Trafford remains shrouded in speculation as whispers of a potential departure intensify.
The youth product has proved his worth to the squad without cementing a permanent spot in the starting XI for any considerable stretch. United rejected a £17million approach from Fulham for the player this summer, though he could be a useful tool to recoup some transfer funds.
The Red Devils continue to invest in young talent this summer, snapping up 23-year-old forward Joshua Zirkzee and teenage defender Leny Yoro. However, neither newcomer will be expected to take on an immediate leadership role after making significant leaps in their careers, meaning United could be on the verge of losing some serious clout from the dressing room.
