Michael Carrick is facing mounting pressure at Manchester United as Bruno Fernandes' poor form continues to weigh on the team's results. The club have taken just seven points from seven league games and recorded only two wins in 10 matches across all competitions this season.
Fernandes, who joined United in 2020, has played under seven different managers, either permanent or caretaker, during his six years at the club. The ownership has also changed, along with countless team-mates, yet the midfielder has remained a constant presence.
Fernandes' Form a Growing Concern
When Fernandes is not performing at his maximum and pulling the strings, United are a mediocre football team, and he has been average so far this season. Some argue he has not returned to form since the World Cup, but the end result is a run of results that Carrick cannot take positives from.
Evidence of Fernandes' struggles was visible at Elland Road, where his behaviour made him a liability. He was seen sulking and feeding the hostility from the stands with his histrionics, and it is a surprise he remained on the field until the final whistle.
Carrick's Blind Spot
Carrick has been indulgent of a player who is in clear need of a break. Fernandes' form is alarming and he is contributing little, but Carrick does not see it.
"He's all right, it's not a big deal," said Carrick. "He played a slightly different role in midweek, but apart from that, it's pretty much as usual. He's an important part of our team. He has been for some time - and that's not changing."
Difficult Decisions Ahead
Carrick needs to make difficult decisions and start getting wins, otherwise he faces spending Christmas at home instead of on the training pitch. Persisting with Fernandes in a wide forward position is counterproductive, especially when that role should belong to either Matheus Cunha or Marcus Rashford.
Fernandes played 53 games for club and country last season, including a summer World Cup. He remains Carrick's most reliable workhorse, despite midfield options including Carlos Baleba, Kobbie Mainoo, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Unless Carrick realises Fernandes needs a breather and acts fast, he might be getting a break himself - a permanent one.
