Bruno Fernandez angered by INEOS decision to appoint this particular man as new Man United manager coming season
With another turbulent campaign now behind them, Manchester United appear to be preparing for yet another reset behind the scenes. Talk of structural adjustments has intensified, and one name repeatedly linked with the managerial post ahead of the summer is Enzo Maresca. Yet fresh reports suggest the idea has not gone down smoothly with everyone in the dressing room, particularly club captain Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes has grown into one of United’s most influential figures since arriving from Sporting CP in January 2020. Beyond his goals and assists, he has become the emotional engine of the team, setting standards through his work rate and vocal presence. Wearing the armband at Old Trafford carries enormous responsibility, and Fernandes has embraced that burden. For that reason, any hesitation from him regarding the club’s direction carries weight.
Maresca’s coaching résumé includes experience at youth level and as an assistant, along with a notable spell in Italy’s second tier. While many admire his tactical approach and modern ideas, doubts linger about whether he has enough top-flight pedigree to steer a club of United’s magnitude. Managing a side with global expectations, relentless scrutiny, and a demand for immediate results is a different challenge entirely. Critics argue that while Maresca may be innovative, the leap to one of the world’s most scrutinized jobs is significant.
From Fernandes’s standpoint, the concerns are understandable. United’s ambitions stretch beyond domestic improvement; they are built on a history of challenging for league titles and competing deep into European competitions. Since the departure of Alex Ferguson in 2013, the club has cycled through several managers without rediscovering sustained dominance. Instability has become a recurring theme, and players have often found themselves adjusting to new systems and philosophies. For a captain desperate for continuity and progress, another gamble on an unproven appointment could feel risky.
There is also the tactical dimension to consider. Maresca is widely associated with a possession-oriented philosophy that emphasizes structure and patient build-up. Such an approach may require significant adaptation from a squad accustomed to varying styles under previous regimes. A dramatic shift in identity can take time, and if key figures are unconvinced, the transition may prove even more complicated.
At a moment when unity is essential, even subtle signs of unease can ripple through a squad. Fernandes’s reported reservations may reflect broader anxieties about the club’s trajectory. Leadership must now balance long-term vision with the need to maintain dressing-room harmony. The upcoming decision will not only determine who occupies the dugout but could also shape the culture and direction of the team for years to come.
As the summer draws closer, the spotlight will remain firmly fixed on United’s hierarchy. Whether Maresca can command instant respect and align the squad behind his methods remains to be seen. What is certain is that the next move must be calculated and decisive if Manchester United are to move beyond cycles of uncertainty and begin rebuilding toward the standards that once defined them.
