Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been photographed meeting with the club's former assistant manager, Carlos Fernandes, mere days after a dramatic coaching clear-out at Old Trafford.
Coaching Exodus After Leeds Draw
The encounter follows the confirmed departure of head coach Ruben Amorim and his entire backroom team on Monday, January 6th, 2026. The exit came swiftly after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United and a tense post-match press conference that hinted at a serious rift between Amorim and the club's hierarchy.
Alongside Amorim, assistant manager Carlos Fernandes left the club, as did first-team coaches Adelio Candido and Emanuel Ferro, goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital, and fitness coach Paulo Barreira.
A Coffee Meeting Sparks Speculation
On Tuesday evening, January 7th, images emerged showing Bruno Fernandes and Carlos Fernandes leaving a coffee shop in Cheshire at approximately 6pm. The meeting, occurring less than 48 hours after the coach's exit, has inevitably fuelled speculation about the captain's views on the sudden changes.
Carlos Fernandes later took to Instagram to reflect on his time at United, posting a series of photos with the caption: "Thank you, Manchester United... A special chapter in my life. Proud to have served as Assistant Manager of Manchester United."
Interim Setup and Managerial Hunt
With the club facing a match against Burnley on Wednesday night, U18 head coach Darren Fletcher has taken temporary charge. He will be supported by a staff including former defender Jonny Evans, who is making a swift return after recently stepping down as loans manager.
When asked about the permanent manager's role, Fletcher stated his focus was solely on the immediate game. "It's surreal, it's an amazing honour to be able to lead a Manchester United team," he said. "I didn't think in my wildest dreams that was something that could happen."
United's board is now actively searching for Amorim's successor. Reports indicate discussions are underway with former managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, and Ruud van Nistelrooy about taking the reins until the season's end, with Solskjaer currently considered the front-runner.
