Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is under the microscope for his performance, attitude, and behavior during Saturday’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The EPL’s referees have become stricter

Bruno Fernandes has never been afraid to say it how it is and it’s led to emotions getting the better of him from time to time. Saturday was a case in point, during and after the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. As captain, Fernandes has a right to speak to the referee and he certainly exercised his privilege in North London.

‘The battle’ between Bruno and the referee is the highlight of Saturday’s match

But Michael Oliver took a dim view of Fernandes approaching him to query an Antony booking and swiftly showed the midfielder a yellow card. The 28-year-old also felt aggrieved by Oliver’s decision not to award United a penalty and subsequently made his thoughts clear in a post-match interview. The aftermath highlighted two important lessons Fernandes must learn. While MEN Sport understands United are unhappy with the caution their captain received at the weekend, Fernandes must take into account the new rules laid down by the PGMOL.

Bruno should re-consider PGMO

The referees are clamping down on dissent towards officials. Any player who runs from a distance to berate the man in the middle is likely to be booked, as will those who crowd around the referee to challenge a decision. As captain Fernandes can speak to the referee but he must be acutely aware of the line he can’t cross. Ultimately, he cannot afford to be booked regularly and accrue suspensions for petty incidents.

Rio Ferdinand can give Bruno some advice?

And while he may have had a point with his penalty claim, his interview post-match was not a good look given the United performance left a lot to be desired. As Rio Ferdinand pointed out, this behavior makes it seem like he is looking for excuses rather than owning up to the shortcomings. He is in the privileged position as captain of this football club, and so is under extra scrutiny for his actions. The new skipper will need to learn his lessons.