Some members of the Manchester United hierarchy reportedly harbour doubts about handing Bruno Fernandes the captaincy from the 2023-24 season onwards.
With current skipper Harry Maguire falling out of favour under Erik ten Hag, Fernandes has often taken on armband duties during the 2022-23 campaign.
The 28-year-old led his team out at Anfield for Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool, but it proved to be a torrid affair for the Red Devils, who were demolished 7-0 by their Merseyside counterparts.
Fernandes's performance in particular was the subject of heavy criticism, with Gary Neville labelling the midfielder "embarrassing" after he was caught on the chest by Ibrahima Konate but went down holding his face.
The former Sporting Lisbon man also put his hands on an official - which he will supposedly avoid any punishment for - and the club have been forced to deny that he asked to be substituted in the dying embers.
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Should Maguire leave Man United in the summer transfer window, the armband will be up for grabs, and Fernandes had been marked down as a strong candidate to replace the England defender as skipper on a permanent basis.
However, the Daily Mail now claims that Man United chiefs are not convinced that Fernandes is captain material, and his behaviour against Liverpool is not the only factor working against him.
The report adds that players as well as staff were left "irritated" with Fernandes's actions at Anfield, especially his refusal to acknowledge the away fans as he trudged down the tunnel at full time.
The playmaker has been condemned several times this season for perceived "whinging" and petulant antics on the field, which have led Man United to question whether he is worthy of the armband.
David de Gea, Raphael Varane and Casemiro are now understood to be some of the top contenders to take over as captain if Maguire leaves, but the language barrier will harm the latter's chances of taking on the job.
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Ten Hag is not expected to strip Fernandes of captaincy duties during the final weeks of the season, though, with the Dutchman keen to avoid any further unwanted attention on his side's off-field problems.
Fernandes has enjoyed another relatively productive season in terms of numbers for Man United, producing seven goals and 11 assists from 40 appearances across all competitions.
The Portugal international captained the Red Devils to victory in the EFL Cup final against Newcastle United last month, and he has 57 goals and 50 assists to show from 166 games for Man United since arriving from Sporting in January 2020.
Despite being humiliated by Liverpool on Sunday, Man United remain third in the Premier League table, four points clear of Tottenham Hotspur and a further seven better off than the Reds.
Ten Hag's side now prepare to return to continental action, as Real Betis visit Old Trafford for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday night.
Ben Knapton
