Premier League Legend Defends Controversial Captaincy Pick
Michael Owen has sparked debate by picking Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes in his Premier League team of the season—despite United enduring one of their worst campaigns ever. With the team sitting 16th in the table and just one game left, their only shot at redemption is winning the Europa League final, which would grant them a Champions League spot. Amid this chaos, Owen chose to highlight Fernandes’ influence as captain, calling his contribution too significant to overlook.
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Fernandes Shines Despite a Troubled Season
It’s been a rough ride for Manchester United, with record-breaking struggles and little to celebrate. But in the middle of all the negativity, Fernandes has been a consistent bright spot. He’s managed to score eight goals and provide nine assists in the Premier League alone. When you include all competitions, his goal and assist total rises to 19—miles ahead of his teammates. The next best is Alejandro Garnacho, who has 11 goals and 10 assists, which still doesn’t come close. Owen believes Fernandes has carried the team and deserves recognition for stepping up when others haven’t.
Criticism From a Former Teammate
Not everyone agrees with Owen’s view. Dietmar Hamann, Owen’s former Liverpool teammate, strongly disagreed with Fernandes’ inclusion. He argued that as captain and an experienced player, Fernandes should be lifting those around him, not just performing well individually. According to Hamann, leadership means more than stats—it means raising the level of your teammates, and in that department, he feels Fernandes falls short.
Owen Stands His Ground
Despite the criticism, Owen stuck by his decision. He admitted Fernandes may not be a “natural” leader, but pointed out that sometimes teams just don’t have better options. Owen praised Fernandes for staying fit, consistent, and productive during a tough year for United, even claiming the team might be battling relegation without him. In Europe especially, Fernandes has been crucial—Owen credits him with almost single-handedly dragging the team to the Europa League final.
Salah Named Player of the Season
While Fernandes’ selection drew controversy, Owen’s choice for player of the season was far less debated. Liverpool star Mohamed Salah took the honor with 28 goals and 18 assists. Owen applauded his consistency, fitness, and goal-scoring ability, noting that Salah keeps breaking records year after year. Even though his form dipped slightly towards the end of the season, Owen believes Salah remains the Premier League’s best overall performer.
Owen’s Premier League Team of the Season
Goalkeeper: Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)
Defenders: Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), William Saliba (Arsenal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth)
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)
Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest), Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Substitutes: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nikola Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Coach: Arne Slot (Liverpool)
