Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit labels Bruno Fernandes a ‘diva’ and names the shock Man Utd player who should replace him as captain

Arsenal icon Emmanuel Petit has been outspoken in his critique of Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United’s captain and has identified a surprising player he believes could be a better choice for the role.

Fernandes, who transferred to Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for an initial £47 million, has scored 79 goals in 237 appearances and won both the FA Cup and EFL Cup under current manager Erik ten Hag. Considered one of United’s standout signings since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, Fernandes was named captain last summer after Harry Maguire was stripped of the role. He recently renewed his contract, securing his stay at Old Trafford until the summer of 2027.

Petit, a former Arsenal midfielder who won the Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal and the World Cup and European Championships with France, has weighed in on Fernandes. Although he recognizes Fernandes as a ‘very good’ player, Petit has criticized his on-field behavior, particularly his responses to adverse decisions, referring to him as a ‘diva’ in an interview with talkSPORT. “I think he sometimes acts like a diva. Even though he wears the captain’s armband, if I were a teammate, I’d be frustrated by his constant complaining and arm-waving on the pitch. It’s not the behavior you expect from a leader,” Petit said.

He added, “Fernandes is a very good player. I was especially impressed during the Covid-19 season when there were no fans; he performed remarkably well. However, after signing his new contract and seeing him with Portugal, I find his on-field behavior increasingly irritating.”

“I just want to jump into the TV and face him as an opponent, just to challenge him on the pitch,” Petit remarked.

When asked who he thinks should be Manchester United’s captain instead of Fernandes, Petit suggested Kobbie Mainoo as a potential future candidate. He praised Mainoo’s potential and character but noted his current youth as a limiting factor. “The best players this season have been the youngest ones. I think Mainoo has the potential and the character to be captain, but he’s still too young at the moment,” Petit said.