Bruno Fernandes has proved Wayne Rooney right with his post-match comments following Manchester United's 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, just eight days after the former striker predicted an 'explosion' from the captain.
Fernandes showed his frustration after being substituted in the second half in Italy, having played through the pain barrier in recent weeks. The midfielder shook his head as he left the pitch, with no interaction with manager Michael Carrick as he walked past.
Fernandes Hits Out at Tactics
In his post-match interview with TNT Sports, Fernandes appeared to criticise the manager's approach, saying: "It's not the first time, we started on the wrong foot, and they scored very early."
"Not much pressure on the ball, not many good movements with the ball, not many things going our way. Conceding early makes us go into game with a mood of defeat, it's difficult to get out of that, trying to be brave, to have the ball and make something happen."
He added: "If we are not able to do that, it is going to be very difficult to get out of this situation. It's a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, wait for them, but sometimes when you give space to these teams they get confidence."
Rooney's Prediction Comes True
When asked directly if Carrick had got it wrong, Fernandes said: "That's on the manager and staff to see, not me. Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable."
The comments have drawn a strong reaction, with Jamie Carragher labelling Fernandes an 'absolute disgrace'. However, the situation was predicted by Rooney just last Tuesday on The Overlap's Stick to United, who said: "I genuinely do think he looks (like), 'oh, here we go again'. Same thing."
"There's only so many times (he can do it), he is getting personal recognition, his goals, assists and he's carried the team but you need taking out of that position. You can't take yourself out but taken out of that role to be able to breathe again. You can see it building up, there's going to be an explosion with him if it keeps building with him, he's not scared to come out and voice his opinion so there will be that explosion if it carries on."
No Sanction for Captain
Despite Fernandes' comments, United will not strip the midfielder of the captaincy. The Portugal international is not expected to be sanctioned by the club, although there is internal disappointment at what he said.
United will look to bounce back from the defeat this weekend as they host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, hoping to end a seven-game winless run.
