Owen Hargreaves has claimed Bruno Fernandes would never play for Manchester United again if Sir Alex Ferguson were still manager, following the captain's public criticism of head coach Michael Carrick's tactics.
The former United midfielder believes Fernandes' comments after the defeat to Como would have cost him dearly under Ferguson. Hargreaves went as far as to say the Portuguese star would never even have made them because of the consequences that would follow.
Fernandes will apparently not be punished for questioning Carrick's tactics after their Champions League loss. The Portugal international remains club captain and appears in line to start United's next match against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Hargreaves' Verdict on Fernandes' Comments
Hargreaves was asked on TNT Sports who he would be angry about as a player in this scenario. He said: "To be fair, I would have never looked at my manager.
"First of all, you would have never said that under Sir Alex because you would never have played again for the football club. Second of all, you've got to look at yourself first.
"Not one Man United fan thinks Manchester United should be competing for the Premier League, not one. But the best you can do is put your best effort in every game, every time you step out there."
Fernandes and Carrick Respond
Fernandes told the same broadcaster on Wednesday evening: "It's a decision from the staff not to press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball."
When asked if Carrick got his tactics wrong, he said: "That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me."
In response to whether the comments could be divisive, Carrick said at Friday's pre-match press conference: "The most important thing for me is the team, first and foremost, the squad, the dynamics in the squad. Again, it's about the football club. I'll always do what's best for the football club."
Dressing Room Unity and Captaincy
Asked about the dressing room, Carrick was adamant: "It's not divided, no. It's not divided. We just need to get back to doing what we do best, and we will."
He was also asked whether the club would consider stripping Fernandes of the captaincy as a result. Carrick replied: "I'm just saying, whatever the situation is, I'll always do what's best for the football club."
United's head coach did not confirm whether he had spoken to Fernandes: "If I've spoken to him or haven't spoken to him, I don't think this is the time to go into too much detail."
