Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that Bruno Fernandes will captain Manchester United against PSG on Tuesday evening – much to the midfielder’s apparent surprise.
United are without regular captain Harry Maguire for Tuesday’s Champions League clash, with the defender not traveling to the French capital with the squad.
Fernandes was on hand for pre-match media duties alongside Solskjaer, and during the press conference the United manager was asked who would captain the Red Devils at Parc des Princes in Maguire’s absence.
“My football dream was United.
There was never a ‘plan B’ for me.
After signing with @ManUtd this winter, that dream has become a reality for @B_Fernandes8.https://t.co/zm2YjzMwrP
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) October 1, 2020
“The captain is sitting with me. Bruno will captain the team tomorrow,” Solskjaer replied, via the Daily Mail. “Bruno has definitely come in and had a very positive impact. Well done
“He’s come in and if not changed the team, he’s brought something to the team and I hope we’ve brought something to his career. It was a turning point for us last season and we hope for more. are coming.”
It seems that Fernandes was informed that he would be wearing an armband like the world’s media – and the good news took him back somewhat.
GIF of the moment Bruno Fernandes found out he will captain #MUFC against PSG pic.twitter.com/Kc9e5sy0rj
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) October 19, 2020
“I wasn’t expecting that, I know [same] Time like you,” Fernandez said. “It’s an honor. But everyone is a captain, everyone needs to contribute and be a leader in their own way.
“I think I have been playing well in the last few months but I have to improve and improve. I think I can do a lot better than before. I know my numbers are good but I believe I can do better. I’ll do numbers and games. Already.”
Tuesday’s game is a replay of Solskjaer’s finest hour as United boss. The Red Devils staged an impressive fightback against PSG during the 2018/19 competition to reach the quarter-finals on away goals.