Bruno Fernandes has been labelled a coward for publicly questioning Michael Carrick's tactics after Manchester United's defeat to Como, with critics arguing the captain should have accepted responsibility instead of shifting blame.
The midfielder's outburst following Wednesday's loss has drawn widespread criticism, including from Jamie Carragher, who called his comments a disgrace. Fernandes reportedly complained that United did not set up to play on the front foot or dominate the game with a high press.
Captain's Role Questioned
As captain of one of the world's biggest clubs, Fernandes is expected to stand tall and accept responsibility when things go wrong, rather than cowering away and blaming others. While players are entitled to private opinions, a captain must present a united front when dealing with the media.
Critics argue that Fernandes was acting like a self-serving individual who knows his manager will probably be sacked and wants no part of the blame.
Player Performance Under Scrutiny
United's abject display against Como means the players must shoulder some of the responsibility, including Fernandes, who offered nothing against Leeds over the weekend and was even worse on Wednesday night.
The lack of self-awareness from somebody who is supposed to be a leader and a role model is astounding, as he constantly moaned and complained at his team-mates while contributing very little himself.
Reality Check for United
Fernandes may not have considered that United are no longer the world-beaters they were under Sir Alex Ferguson and won't steamroll teams just by turning up. It's not 2008 any more, and United simply aren't a good side.
Many of their players are not good enough to justify a contract with a club of United's size and stature, with some looking like competition winners against Como. The tactics didn't work, but it might've been even worse had United tried to impose themselves and got ripped apart because their players aren't good enough to execute that plan.
While it's not unreasonable for Fernandes to be angry given United's dreadful form since the start of the season, airing dirty laundry in public was never going to achieve anything positive. Kicking the manager while he's down, as captain of the football club, is nothing short of cowardly, especially when he should be sharing a large portion of the blame himself.
