Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images

'Looks after people'- Gary Neville shifts goalposts regarding Manchester United star

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 5:20 PM ET

Gary Neville has changed his view on Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United always mix passion with expectation. Every player who wears the captain’s armband carries more than just a symbol of leadership. They bear the weight of legacy. Over the years, captains at the club have led with grit, silence, and calm strength. Yet Bruno Fernandes shapes a very different image of leadership. His approach divides opinion at Old Trafford. Many supporters admire his drive and hunger, while others think his emotion sometimes clouds his judgment. This debate resurfaced again after reports revealed that Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is unhappy with his deeper role under Ruben Amorim this season.

The discussion shifted when Gary Neville admitted on The Overlap that he changed his view of the Portuguese midfielder after meeting him personally. Neville described how Fernandes looks after staff and shows genuine care for people behind the scenes. Fans rarely see that side of him during ninety minutes of football. While Neville softened his opinion, others, including Roy Keane, still doubt his credentials as captain.

“I say Bruno [changed my mind after meeting him personally]. I met him for half an hour, and I thought it was fair to say that when people talk about him at the club, they say he’s a good type and he’s hardworking. He really looks after the staff, and that was the thing that impressed me most when the staff said he looked after the staff; he looks after people.”

They question his emotional reactions in tough moments, not his talent. Fernandes often argues with referees and waves his arms in frustration. At times, he directs that energy toward teammates. The club wants stability, but his behaviour sends mixed signals. Even so, the 31-year-old still keeps scoring goals, creating assists, and providing relentless energy. The question of leadership style still divides people. Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Manchester United could offload Bruno Fernandes to fund two key transfers in 2026. That decision might show a shift in the club’s long-term plans.

A Captain’s Passion or a Leader’s Burden?

His critics have called him excessively reactive, emotional and have cited examples of matches where his seemingly irritated attitude has drawn attention. In this season, Bruno gave one such example when he protested for a penalty during the game against Fulham. His critics feel that the United captain should stay firm at decisive moments, and the Portuguese midfielder’s aggressive reaction carries stark differences to the ones that have captained the club in the past.

However, the 31-year-old’s supporters view his passion as a rare fire that drives him and his teammates forward. They argue that his frustration shows his high standards and deep desire to win, not immaturity. His leadership doesn’t follow traditional moulds, yet he still influences the pitch strongly. The Portuguese creates chances and inspires comebacks.

He often carries the team creatively. The debate around his captaincy reveals something deeper about leadership itself. People now question whether football values quiet control more than visible emotion. Fernandes represents that tension: gifted, intense, flawed, but completely committed, and perhaps his emotional chaos gives Manchester United’s story its continuing pull.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: