Herrera urges critics to respect Fernandes for carrying Man Utd through years of struggle

Ander Herrera has called on Manchester United’s critics to stop targeting Bruno Fernandes, insisting the club captain deserves widespread respect for the loyalty and leadership he has shown during one of the most troubled periods in the club’s history.

Fernandes has come under scrutiny following a poor start to the season, with United winning just two of their opening nine games across all competitions. The Portuguese midfielder has been well below his best, but Herrera, who spent five years at Old Trafford, believes the criticism is misplaced.

“For me, he’s a leader,” Herrera said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. “He has had Manchester United on his back a lot of years, a lot of seasons. Sometimes playing, I’m not going to say alone, but carrying the history of the club on his shoulders. In difficult times he was there, always putting his face there, asking for the ball, scoring goals, assisting. After defeats, going to the media to talk.”

Herrera was emphatic that Fernandes should be viewed as part of the solution rather than the problem. “I have huge respect for him, for what he has done for the club. And he could have left the club and he’s still there, putting his face in difficult moments and he deserves credit. A lot of credit. How can Bruno be the problem? He has been a solution a lot of times.”

The Spaniard also backed manager Michael Carrick, who is under pressure following six games without a win. Herrera argued that the increased competitiveness of the Premier League demands patience from supporters and the board alike.

“We have to give him time because the Premier League now is not top four, top five — it’s almost top eight,” Herrera said. “I think Carrick is the man. I want him to be the man, but I also believe he is the man to bring trophies to the club. I don’t know if he will win the Premier League in two or three years, but he is going to be there. He’s going to be competing.”

Herrera, who won four trophies at United including the FA Cup, left the club for Paris Saint-Germain after feeling undervalued during contract negotiations. He revealed that after winning the club’s Player of the Year award in his third season, he expected United to approach him with an improved deal, only to receive a letter offering a standard 12-month extension — a slight that ultimately ended his time at Old Trafford.