Marcus Rashford should captain Manchester United against Liverpool, suggested Dimitar Berbatov, ahead of crunch Premier League clash at Anfield.
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United struggling ahead of Anfield visitFernandes will miss key fixture due to suspensionBerbatov wants Rashford as captainWHAT HAPPENED?
Bruno Fernandes will miss the clash against the Reds on Sunday after he collected his fifth booking of the season during a 3-0 defeat against Bournemouthat Old Trafford last weekend. This means Erik ten Hag has to pick a new leader and Berbatov has put forward Rashford's name as he believes that the under-fire striker will be boosted with this show of faith.
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Speaking to Berbatov said: "We know the club captain (Bruno Fernandes) is not playing, that's another problem to deal with. Man United will have to hope whoever comes into his place can do the job, but it's a big blow for them. The question is, who leads the side at Anfield? I don't know how Erik ten Hag is thinking about this situation. Who deserves the captain's armband more, the experienced players like Jonny Evans or Raphael Varane, or someone younger and hungry like Scott McTominay? Who can prove they can lead the team?
"Sometimes, how to deal with a player who is going through a difficult patch of form, it's good to show them faith. Marcus Rashford needs to be shown faith, maybe he should be captain for the game, and it can be a final test for him to lead the team. Rashford could realise that this is his chance to be a leader and the main star at Man United. These moments can elevate players, they just need an arm around their shoulders.
"This would be a point where Rashford realises football is not a fairytale, it's real life and that he needs to grow up to be the main man for the club. I have witnessed players who needed this opportunity, it's happened to me in my career too, sometimes you need these gestures."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Liverpool are in stellar form this season and currently sit at the pole position in the Premier League standings. They have lost just once in 16 matches and boast of having the meanest defence in the league, along with Arsenal, with just 15 goals conceded. This prompted former Liverpool and United striker, Michael Owen, to take a dig at Fernandes suggesting that he may not have fancied a visit to Merseyside and hence picked up the booking.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fernandes has been booked 29 times through 140 appearances in the Premier League but is yet to receive a marching order.