Bruno Fernandes responds to Micah Richards’ claims that his behaviour is “pathetic”

"I feel like his body language on the pitch is disturbing the rest of the team."

Bruno Fernandes has hit back at Micha Richards who claimed that the Man United captain's behaviour was "embarrassing" and "pathetic." Fernandes was recently appointed as captain of the club after Erik ten Hag decided to demote Harry Maguire from the role in an effort to try and push him out of the club. Many were critical of the decision to select the Portugal international, because despite his obvious talent and ability, his attitude has been known to be petulant and even toxic. Last year during Liverpool's 7-0 hammering of the Red Devils, Fernandes was continuously highlighted for constantly waving his arms, complaining to match officials, and it even looked like he asked the management to substitute him. Against Spurs last weekend, Fernandes was booked by the referee for verbally questioning decisions, and failed to help his team step up the pace and ultimately lose the match 2-0. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards said: “It's getting embarrassing now. The young lad Pellistri comes on, Fernandes is trying to get his team playing and I totally understand he's frustrated.

“Pellistri made a run, Fernandes didn't see him and [so] he made a different run but because he wasn't where [Fernandes] wanted him to be, he's going off at Pellistri. It's every time. “I saw an interview with him the other day and he said he needs to be emotional when he performs because it makes him play better. But I feel like his body language on the pitch is disturbing the rest of the team and it's just not a good look at all. It's pathetic at times.”

Fernandes has responded to this criticism via his Instagram story, where he posted a clip of former Super Bowl winner Deion Sanders. The clip shows the ex NFL star visibly challenge the journalists in front of him for questioning his performances and behaviour. “Look at me. What about me would make you think that I care about your opinion of me? Your opinion of me is not the opinion that I have of myself. "You ain’t make me, so you can’t break me. You didn’t build me, so you can’t kill me.” Richards wasn't the only one who questioned the decision to make the United midfielder captain however, with Chris Sutton also questioning the management's decision on this front. The spotlight will be on the new skipper in the upcoming games to see how he responds on the pitch and if there is any changes to his attitude.