Bruno Fernandes publicly criticised Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick in a broadcast interview after the team's defeat in Como, a move that has been labelled as cowardly and unbecoming of a club captain. The 32-year-old's actions came just a week after Lisandro Martinez had attacked the club's hierarchy, but unlike that incident, Fernandes's comments have drawn little sympathy from supporters.
Fernandes used a contractual post-match interview to voice his frustrations, echoing Martinez's earlier approach. However, while there is scepticism among fans about Jason Wilcox's role, there is no such desire to see Carrick publicly criticised. The midfielder's verbal takedown of Carrick's tactics has been described as a move of pure cowardice from a player who is letting himself down this season.
Fernandes's Performance and Attitude in Como
Fernandes's performances have been woeful this season, and his attitude in Como was appalling. He was critical of teammates from the first few minutes, waved his arms in disgust on several occasions, and stared at the bench when substituted. Carrick deserves credit for hauling him off and for the spiky response he delivered in his press conference.
Carrick responded to Fernandes's criticism by pointing out the irony in the midfielder questioning the pressing, given his own approach. "We actually were half-pressed man-to-man in the second half and then conceded a goal from that," Carrick said. "And there's a little bit on whatever system you play, whatever tactics you play, if you don't run, and you don't run forward, and you don't run back, you ain't going to win."
Carrick's Impact and the Team's Response
The criticism did have merit, as Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, were a much better-coached team. But doing it in public is a spineless way of going about it. Carrick's arrival in January took Fernandes's form to another level, with the midfielder delivering 13 assists and four goals in the final 17 games of the Premier League season.
Those numbers helped Fernandes win a hat-trick of individual awards. Carrick abandoned the experiment of playing Fernandes deeper, made him the heartbeat of the team again, and simplicity was at the heart of the rejuvenation that carried United back into the Champions League. Carrick has been let down by those above him and those below him.
Fernandes Must Accept Blame
Fernandes is the leader of the dressing room, and by going public, he has to accept the blame. This is a disgraceful way for a Manchester United captain to behave. But he isn't alone. Carrick rounded on plenty of his players on Wednesday, and Matheus Cunha's attitude before his half-time withdrawal earned him a rebuke from Carrick during the game.
In 10 months at Old Trafford, Carrick has wrapped a protective arm around his players, resisted criticising them, taken responsibility for defeats, and generally massaged their egos. This is how they repay him. It feels inevitable now that the 45-year-old will leave sooner rather than later. Fernandes will be on his eighth manager, including caretakers, in his seven years at the club. But at some point, he should reflect on his own role in this sorry saga.
