JEREMY Done up BRUNO’S LESSON
IT FELT like a tale of two captains.
And Bruno Fernandes might want to stop reading now.
That’s because both him and rival Ilkay Gundogan ended up getting what they both deserved from this first all-Manchester FA Cup Final in history.
Gundogan climbed the Wembley steps to hold aloft the trophy.
It was the second time he’d raised some silverware to the skies in a matter of weeks, following Manchester City’s Premier League triumph.
And in another six days the German could make it three as part of a famous Treble, should his side win the Champions League in Istanbul as well.
Fernandes, meanwhile, was left clutching the medal that he didn’t want and wondering what might have been.
Both Gundogan and Fernandes appeared to personify where their respective teams are at right now. Gundogan has never played better. In the last three months he has been quite sensational to help drive City towards glory.
Here at Wembley he scored two stunning goals, including the fastest one in cup final history after just 12 seconds.
But it wasn’t just his goals which stood out, because Gundogan oozed class from start to finish and led from the front with distinction and dynamism.
It’s hard to believe City bosses have been unable to reach an agreement with the midfielder when it comes to extending his contract.
Their counterparts across town at Old Trafford, meanwhile, must be left wondering who decided to extend Fernandes’ contract in 2022 to 2027, despite him still having two years to run on his initial one.
And if this decision seems baffling, it’s nothing compared to the one Erik ten Hag has made when it comes to allowing the Portuguese to be his captain.
Fernandes had the courage to step up and take the farcical penalty which hauled United level at 1-1 before half-time.
And he also had a huge hand – or should that be mouth – in persuading the officials to award it in the first place.
That’s because there is no one in English football who whinges and complains more than Fernandes when things don’t go his way.
Less than nine minutes had elapsed before he was moaning to referee Paul Tierney after a decision went against him.
Moments later he was at it again, this time giving the linesman both barrels after being turned down for a throw in.
It wasn’t quite up there with his disgraceful behaviour in United’s seven-goal thumping at Anfield in March.
His antics that afternoon should have resulted in him being stripped of the armband.
But here in this showpiece game it was still vintage Fernandes on an afternoon when team-mates needed him to walk the walk, instead of just talk and talk.
A bit like United in general, Fernandes is not quite as good as he thinks he is. He needs to read what the definition of a captain is.
A leader of men, instead of acting like a spoiled child.
Someone who sets the right example for others to follow – rather than provide countless ones of how not to be.
All the while, Gundogan cruised through the game like the Rolls-Royce of a footballer he is. Picking passes, finding space and organising his side so the game could be seen out.
It’s why he wins all the big prizes – while Fernandes has to just stand there and watch it happen.