Virgil van Dijk reached a milestone against Leicester on Boxing Day, playing every minute of his 50th consecutive league game. While this impressive feat doesn't fully explain the Dutchman's leadership qualities or Liverpool's current success, it certainly contributes. There are various leadership styles in football, but consistent presence on the pitch is undeniably crucial. After all, one cannot inspire from the sidelines.
This brings us to Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, who has faced criticism in the media. He is currently one of just four other captains with a perfect attendance record this Premier League season. However, this streak ends with Newcastle's visit on Monday, due to a suspension. Tony Harrington, the referee for the Boxing Day loss to Wolves, became the third official this season to dismiss Fernandes.
One of those red cards, received after an unintentional trip on Tottenham's James Maddison in September, was quickly overturned. While the 30-year-old hasn't transformed into a raging villain, he's provided ammunition for his critics, with his dismissals seemingly reflecting his team's overall struggles.
It's a paradoxical situation, considering Fernandes has displayed both improved discipline and harsher punishment this season. Despite the rescinded Tottenham red card, he has been sent off as many times in the last three months as in his entire previous career (spanning 143 games), while simultaneously committing fewer fouls. He received two yellow cards on Boxing Day for relatively minor fouls, while Wolves' João Gomes and Gonçalo Guedes combined for eight fouls and only one booking. This suggests that Fernandes might be experiencing a spell of bad luck rather than demonstrating unsportsmanlike conduct.
Before this season, Fernandes had played 29,621 minutes of top-flight football (equivalent to 329 full matches), committing 397 fouls at an average of 1.2 per game. This season, he has improved, averaging less than one foul per game and receiving fewer bookings: only two in league games and four across all competitions. Previously, he was remarkably adept at avoiding cards, receiving one yellow every 72 league games and only two instances of two yellows in a single game. This season, however, he has been booked twice in 50% of the games where he received a yellow card.
Comparisons to Bryan Robson, Manchester United's longest-serving captain, are inevitable for any United captain, especially midfielders. Robson captained the team for 12 years with only one red card, although this didn't prevent him from facing criticism after a dismissal at Sunderland in 1986. Robson, when criticizing Roy Keane (another United captain who received 11 red cards in 12 years), emphasized the importance of controlling one's temper for a captain. Keane's disciplinary record now serves as both a precedent and a point of concern.
Despite his talent, Fernandes has faced considerable criticism. In a team often lacking quality, he shoulders the responsibility for captaincy, creativity, and fulfilling expectations. He is among the few players at the club whose experience and proven ability translate disappointment into visible frustration.
Adding to his challenges, Fernandes leads a team under intense scrutiny due to their history, exceeding their recent performance. This focus is amplified by the numerous former players turned pundits. Captains of Chelsea, Arsenal, or Manchester City don't face the same level of criticism when they underperform, as there are fewer individuals employed by major broadcasters to take it personally.
Keane has been vocal in his disapproval, stating last year that he would remove the captaincy from Fernandes due to his constant complaining and gesturing. Fernandes's habit of throwing his arms up in frustration has drawn particular ire, with Gary Neville also criticizing this behavior.
Following the Wolves defeat, Ruben Amorim showed little sympathy for Fernandes. His absence on Sunday might see Harry Maguire, a less talented but potentially more suitable captain, reclaim the armband he lost last summer.
Robson, reflecting on captaincy, highlighted the responsibility of leading by example, especially during difficult periods. He believed a captain should inspire and instill belief in the team. The irony for Fernandes is that his talent and actions seem to primarily inspire pundits and, increasingly, referees.
