Former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen has advised incoming head coach Mauricio Pochettino to part ways with club captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Dutch coach believes that years of persistent negativity at Old Trafford have taken a significant mental toll on the 32-year-old playmaker, according to Yahoo Sports.
Meulensteen expressed his perspective during an interview with talkSPORT.
He noted that while the midfielder has been a fantastic servant for the club, his current form has declined, stating, “I think he’s also been, to some extent, maybe even mentally damaged by all the negativity that has surrounded the club and himself.”
The former coach added that he would not be saddened if the captain decided to depart, citing a need for fresh dynamism within the squad.
This suggestion follows a turbulent period for the club, which recently dismissed Michael Carrick after a disappointing start to the season, as reported by Goal.
Pochettino has since signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to lead the team, according to Goal.
Despite the criticism, Fernandes has remained a primary creative outlet, tallying four goals and two assists in his first nine Premier League appearances, per Goal.
However, the team currently sits 18th in the league standings, marking their worst start in 40 years.
Adding to the uncertainty, The Athletic reported that the player has rejected a second contract renewal offer.
With his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, Manchester United holds an option to extend his stay until 2028 while monitoring potential replacements like Nico Paz, as noted by The Sun.
Pochettino is scheduled to begin his tenure with a match against Liverpool on November 22.