Ian Wright claims Antony’s swipe at Jeremy Doku shows that under-fire Bruno Fernandes is NOT setting the right example as Manchester United captain and is just ‘looking out for himself’

Ian Wright believes Antony’s testy dig at Jeremy Doku in the Manchester derby was directly linked to Bruno Fernandes setting the wrong example as club captain.

The £82million new signing was lucky to avoid a red card after appearing to tackle the Manchester City winger with a dismissal in the closing stages of United’s 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

Antony received a yellow card for punching Doku twice and then slapping the City player’s arm away when he protested.

And Wright believes the Brazilian’s behavior can be attributed to Fernandes’ example.

“Bruno sometimes just goes off and they’re not ready.” “It’s not good for the team,” he told the Kelly and Wrighty Show.

Bruno Fernandes’ captaincy at Manchester United is under scrutiny

Ian Wright believes the Portuguese is setting the wrong example as club captain

“I watched Antony come into the game and his contribution was to throw him out.” [Jeremy] “Documentary like that, but the captain’s example comes through. That’s the captain who does it.”

United were soundly outclassed by City at Old Trafford and Fernandes came under renewed criticism for his alleged lack of leadership skills in the defeat to the Premier League champions.

In the same broadcast, former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves pointed out that the lines between commitment and whims are often blurred when it comes to Fernandes.

“I know he looks moody, but I think he was trying to throw him out.” [to a City player] “I want to show the fans that he cares, but that doesn’t come across right and frustrates a lot of people,” he said.

The former England international believes Erik ten Hag should take some of the blame for the midfielder’s behavior in the Manchester derby.

‘[Ten Hag] there was [the captaincy] to Bruno because he has been by far the most consistent player since yesterday [Ten Hag] played him out of position.

“Play him as number 10 and drop another player. “I think his frustration mostly comes from the fact that he didn’t have an impact on the game.”

Wright also pointed out that while Fernandes’ willingness to put pressure on his opponents and pursue seemingly lost goals might endear him to fans, that approach was not likely to inspire the players around him.

Wright blamed Fernandes’ lack of leadership for Antony’s testy outburst on Sunday

The Brazilian winger was lucky to avoid a red card after petulantly kicking Jeremy Doku (right) during United’s 3-0 defeat in the Manchester derby

“He also finishes on his own, which is a signal to the players you are playing with that he is playing for the audience,” he explained.

“When you see people just fend for themselves and no one else is behind, you kind of feel like he’s looking out for himself.”

Wright and Hargreaves are not the only ones questioning Fernandes’ captaincy credentials.

I’m talking about the latest episode of Mail Sport It’s starting! In a podcast with Ian Ladyman earlier this week, Chris Sutton insisted the Portuguese did not belong in the captaincy, a point he first made in August.

“Look at the great Manchester United captains of the past.” [Roy] Keane, [Bryan] Robson, [Steve] Bruce, [Nemanja] Vidic and [Gary] “Neville,” he said.

“They are captains with a little influence, a little authority.” [They are] Someone you want to follow out of the tunnel, who makes you feel like you’re running through a wall with them.

“I never felt the same about Bruno Fernandes. I think he’s irritable.

“He’s like the talented, spoiled boy who runs around the park when things aren’t going well and then takes his ball home with him. That’s how he seems to me.”

Speaking on Sky Sports on Sunday, former United captain Roy Keane singled out Fernandes, saying the Portuguese midfielder’s body language was “the opposite of what you expect from a captain”.

Roy Keane said Fernandes’ body language was “the opposite of what you expect from a captain”.

He added: “The first thing I would do would be to strip him of the captaincy. “I know it’s a big decision but Fernandes is not a captain.

“He’s a talented player, but what I saw today is him whining, moaning and constantly throwing his arms in the air.”

“That’s really not acceptable.” When it comes to where changes are made – board level, manager – I would start with it because the manager has the ability to do it.

“Fernandes is a brilliant footballer, but he is the opposite of what you expect from a captain.”