Wayne Rooney has warned Michael Carrick that Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is 'fed up' and could 'explode' if the team's poor form continues. The warning comes after United drew 1-1 with Tottenham, a result that leaves them with just one win from their first six Premier League games of the season.
Fernandes, recently crowned PFA Player of the Year, cut a frustrated and dejected figure on Saturday after United failed to hold on to their lead against a Spurs side reduced to 10 men. Bryan Mbeumo had given United the lead, but Dominic Solanke's late equaliser ensured a share of the spoils.
Rooney calls for midfield change
Speaking to United Stand, Rooney said: 'He's fed up. I genuinely think he looks like “oh here we go again”.' He added: 'It's the same thing and there's only so many times, although he's getting personal recognition for his performances, assists and carrying the team, but then sometimes you need taking out of that position.'
'You can't take yourself out but you need taking out of that role just to breathe again because I feel like now you can see it building, there's going to be an explosion with him if this carries on.'
Rooney believes Carrick needs to make a significant change to United's midfield to avoid a breakdown in his relationship with his skipper. He suggested moving Fernandes back or taking him out of the team to freshen things up and add more solidity.
Midfield concerns ahead of tough run
With games against Leeds United and Atletico Madrid on the horizon, Rooney stressed the need for a quick response. He said: 'You need to get results any way you can and say OK we will sit back a little bit.'
Rooney also expressed concerns about the midfield's mobility, saying: 'We're getting outrun, we're getting outplayed and all of a sudden you've got Mainoo and Tielemans who aren't the quickest and aren't the most mobile to cover the full width of the pitch so they need help in there.'
He suggested adding Baleba to the midfield to provide more security for the back four, adding: 'Whether you stick Baleba in there as well and say Mainoo is good going forward as well, they just need a bit more security to help the back four. You need to be solid first then try and win the game.'
