Manchester United face Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, and the match carries significant weight for captain Bruno Fernandes, who has struggled for form this season. The fixture also places pressure on manager Michael Carrick, who has won just two of 10 games in charge this campaign.
Bruno Fernandes spent five years of his career in Italy between 2012 and 2017, playing in Serie B and Serie A, yet this will be the first time he has faced Como. During his time in Italy, Como were playing regional football apart from one season in Serie B, which ended in relegation.
High Stakes at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia
When Fernandes walks out at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como will pose a major threat to United's ambitions. A defeat would leave United facing a play-off round to secure a last-16 spot in the Champions League and would push another United boss to the brink.
Carrick has the backing of the dressing room, but the pressure is increasing. If the 45-year-old leaves, Fernandes would face an eighth different manager, permanent or temporary, in his seven years at the club.
Fernandes' Form and Future
The 32-year-old has looked cranky and agitated this season, and his form has dipped significantly. A hat-trick against Ipswich aside, he has been a shadow of the player who cleaned up on individual awards last campaign.
This is arguably the most prolonged dip of his Old Trafford career. Galatasaray and Juventus showed interest in him this summer, and with his current contract expiring at the end of this season, questions remain about whether he wants to extend his stay.
Manager's Dilemma
Fernandes has been shifted out of a central zone recently, with Carrick favouring a new-look midfield of Carlos Baleba, Santos and Youri Tielemans. Carrick claimed a week ago that nobody was guaranteed a place in his team, yet dropping the captain seems an unlikely roll of the dice.
Instead, it falls on the Portugal international to play his way back into a rhythm. Carrick's future might well depend on whether he can manage that.
