The decision to make Bruno Fernandes Man Utd captain split opinion (Photo: Getty)

Former Arsenal and Manchester City star Bacary Sagna has defended Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

United have endured a torrid start to the new season, plagued by various issues on and off the pitch, the team have lost six of their opening 11 games.

Fernandes has played every minute of their Premier League and Champions League campaign so far, registering two goals and two assists.

For some, those numbers are nowhere near good enough, while Erik ten Hag’s decision to hand the attacking midfielder the armband has continued to divide opinion.

The 29-year-old skippered United in the absence of Harry Maguire last season and was officially made club captain over the summer after the England defender was stripped off the position by Ten Hag.

Many pundits have said they don’t believe Fernandes is the right man to lead the club however, due to the way his confronts officials and moans when results are going in his favour.

But Sagna believes it is this attitude that makes the Portugal International a perfect choice for the role, telling Paddy Power: ‘Bruno Fernandes has been decisive for the team, and he has lots of personality.

Man Utd have lost six of their opening 11 games of the season (Photo: Getty)

‘He’s a good captain because he hates losing. You can see his body language whenever Manchester United concede that he hates losing and that’s an important element in what defines a captain. 

‘He is technically good; he can lead the team and he’s been there a few years so is one of the more experienced players in the dressing room – to me, he’s a good captain and there’s no need to change captain.’

With the season on pause for the international break, Ten Hag and his players have time to work on how they can back on track, with a trip to Sheffield United up next on 21st October.

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Sagna backs them to bounce back, adding: ‘Manchester United is a huge club and it’s still going through a big change since Sir Alex Ferguson left.

‘It seems like they’re still trying to find their form. I’m sure that they will be back to their best but it’s always a challenge to find stability and to get them back to the club they were in previously. 

‘This United side are in the re-building process, and we would like to see them in the best form possible, but you can’t rebuild overnight, it takes time. They need to be patient but Manchester United will be back to the top.’

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‘He has been decisive for the team, and he has lots of personality.’