Paul Scholes has claimed that Bruno Fernandes is "finished" at Manchester United following his public criticism of manager Michael Carrick after the team's 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como. The former midfielder also suggested that Fernandes should leave European football and "just go to Saudi" because no manager or staff member can trust him after his comments.
Fernandes questions Carrick's tactics
Fernandes was substituted midway through the Como match at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, with Joshua Zirkzee brought on as Carrick searched for an attacking spark. The Portuguese captain shook his head as he left the pitch before openly questioning the tactical approach in his post-match media duties.
"It's a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave a little space in behind and try to get the ball in the first moment, to wait for them, to give them the ball," Fernandes told the media. "But sometimes when you give too much the ball to these teams they get confident, they have so many bodies behind the ball that make you run a lot, make people get frustrated, and then obviously when you recover the ball the legs are, and the brain, much more difficult to make it work."
Scholes and Butt react
Carrick responded to those comments in his post-match press conference, making clear that his system only functions when players put in the hard yards. Fernandes was then dropped to the bench for Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Speaking on the Good, the Bad and the Football podcast, Scholes said: "What Bruno Fernandes said last week, I think that's unforgivable. How can Bruno Fernandes be trusted to be captain of any team he ever goes to now? I think he probably needs to get away from European football and just go to Saudi, just get out the way. I don't think any manager, any member of staff can trust him after that."
Former United midfielder Nicky Butt also weighed in, suggesting Fernandes may have damaged his legacy at the club. "He's been the only player for the last 12, 13 years that's gone, 'I know what it means to play for this football club and I'm good enough to play football and I'm going to carry it on my shoulders and I'm going to lead it. I'm going to score goals. I'm going to create. I'm not leaving. I'm staying. I'm fighting the fight.' And he's killed himself in one interview. Stupid," Butt said.
Future uncertain amid poor form
According to The Athletic, Carrick and Fernandes are expected to "draw a line under it", with the United skipper in contention to feature against Chelsea after being dropped last weekend. Carrick is under pressure to prove his worth, with club bosses keeping him at the helm for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
United languish in 16th place in the Premier League table, having picked up just one win from their opening eight league outings. The club have also gone eight matches without a victory across all competitions, leaving Carrick fighting to save his position. Saturday's 12.30pm kick-off in west London could prove decisive unless the 45-year-old can steer his side to a positive result.
