Erik ten Hag insists Bruno Fernandes will remain as Manchester United captain in Harry Maguire’s absence despite fierce criticism of the Portugal star’s petulant attitude in Sunday’s 7-0 hammering at Liverpool.

Fernandes came under fire for feigning injury – going down holding his face when defender Ibrahima Konate’s left hand brushed his chest – pushing a linesman and then refusing to track back when Stefan Bajcetic went past him towards the end of United’s record-equalling defeat.

There were also accusations that Fernandes asked to be taken off when Anthony Elanga replaced Marcus Rashford in the 85th minute, although United sources have since said that he was only clarifying with the coaching staff if he was changing position.

It has led to calls in some quarters for Ten Hag to take the armband off Fernandes, who has captained the team for the majority of the season with Maguire unable to get into the team.

MailOnline also revealed that Fernandes’ behaviour has irritated some of his teammates who are unsure he should be made permanent captain if Maguire leaves in the summer.