David de Gea has ironically commented that Bruno Fernandes shouldn’t be the Manchester United captain following the midfielder late winner against Fulham.

United skipper Fernandes has received a considerable amount of criticism, not least from Roy Keane, who claimed that the Portuguese should be stripped of the armband.

However, Fernandes answered his critics in emphatic style with a stoppage-time winner at Craven Cottage as United prevailed with a 1-0 victory.

De Gea wrote sarcastically: ‘‘You are not the right captain’ along with a zipped mouth emoji.

David de Gea sarcastically stated Bruno Fernandes shouldn’t be Manchester United captain

De Gea praised Fernandes, whose credentials as captain of United have been criticised

De Gea’s comment was seemingly in reference to Keane’s viewpoint that Fernandes should lose the captaincy.

Former United captain Keane made that claim following United’s 3-0 loss to rivals Manchester City last weekend.

Keane made it clear that he feels that Fernandes does not have what it takes to be United captain.

He said on Sky Sports: ‘The first thing I would do is take the captaincy off him. I know it’s a big decision but Fernandes is not captain material.

‘He’s a talented player, but what I saw today, he’s whinging, he’s moaning, he’s throwing his arms up in the air constantly.

‘It really isn’t acceptable. When you’re talking about where do they make changes – board level, managers – I’d start with that because the manager is capable of doing that.

‘Fernandes is a brilliant footballer but he’s the opposite to what you want in a captain.’

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Former United captain Roy Keane stressed that he feels Fernandes shouldn’t be captain

Another former United player, Nani, insisted that Fernandes is the right choice as captain

Fernandes was given the United captaincy in the summer after Erik ten Hag elected to take the armband off defender Harry Maguire.

It has been a tumultuous start to the season for United which has led to questions over ten Hag’s future.

The win against Fulham, however, represented a step in the right direction for United.

Fernandes’ goal was his 66th in 199 games for United since he joined the club in January 2020.

Another former United player, Nani, jumped to the defence of Fernandes and insisted that the midfielder gives his all for the club.

‘Manchester [United] already has great players. We have Bruno Fernandes. ‘If Bruno Fernandes wasn’t playing well, I’d criticise him too, but for example, the sacrifice and effort he puts into the game, he does it,’ he told Portuguese podcast 1 PARA 1 via Metro.

‘We see it. He works hard, gives his all, and contributes. It’s just that many others don’t keep up with it.

‘When we used to play at Manchester [United], one of the things that defined the club was that you could be losing 3-0 with 15 minutes, 10 minutes left in a game, and that’s when you saw what mental strength means.’

Fernandes scored a late winner as United managed to overcome Fulham on Saturday