Heskey: Fernandes Is Manchester United's Biggest Issue

Emile Heskey, the former England international and Liverpool striker, has taken aim at Bruno Fernandes, calling him Manchester United’s biggest issue during their current struggles. Heskey’s comments come after a string of poor performances from the team, where Fernandes, as captain, has faced mounting criticism for his lack of leadership and form.

Heskey, in a recent interview, stated, 'Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly a talented player, but being captain at a club like Manchester United comes with immense responsibility. In recent games, I haven't seen the kind of drive and inspiration that a captain needs to provide. He used to score and assist consistently, but now his impact on the pitch has significantly declined.'

The Portuguese midfielder joined Manchester United in January 2020 and quickly became one of the team's standout performers, known for his creativity, goal-scoring, and ability to dictate play. However, this season, his performances have fallen short of expectations, leading to questions about his ability to lead the squad effectively.

Heskey also touched on Fernandes’s demeanor during matches, saying, 'A captain must lead by example, both in terms of performance and attitude. At times, it seems Bruno gets frustrated too easily, and that energy spreads negatively through the team. As a leader, he needs to channel that frustration into motivating his teammates.'

The former striker didn’t shy away from addressing the broader challenges Manchester United faces under manager Erik ten Hag. 'It’s not just about Fernandes, but he’s central to this team’s problems right now. The team lacks cohesion, and Bruno’s role as the playmaker and leader means he needs to step up and take more responsibility,' Heskey explained.

On a more positive note, Heskey praised young talent Amad Diallo, who has been a bright spot in Manchester United's season. 'Amad is a player who shows promise. His performances in cup games and during his loan spell have demonstrated his maturity and readiness to contribute. He’s someone the manager can rely on in these tough times,' Heskey said.

As Manchester United grapples with these challenges, the focus will undoubtedly remain on Fernandes to rediscover the form and leadership that once made him indispensable. The coming matches will be critical for the team as they strive to turn their season around and for Fernandes to silence his critics by leading from the front.