Paul Scholes has declared that Bruno Fernandes' Manchester United career is over and has urged the midfielder to leave European football and join the Saudi Pro League. The former United midfielder described Fernandes' public criticism of manager Michael Carrick as "unforgivable" and said no manager or staff member could trust him again.
Fernandes was dropped to the substitutes' bench for United's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday after he openly criticised Carrick's tactics following the 4-1 loss to Como four days earlier. The club is currently on an eight-match winless streak and sits just a point above the Premier League relegation zone.
Scholes condemns Fernandes' comments
Speaking about the confrontation, 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?"
He added: "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."
Carrick set to restore Fernandes
Despite the tension, Michael Carrick is understood to be willing to restore Fernandes to the starting line-up for Saturday's match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Fernandes had played every minute of United's Premier League season before his exclusion against Bournemouth.
According to The Athletic, Carrick, Fernandes, and senior personnel have reached an understanding to move past the disagreement, potentially clearing the way for the midfielder to feature against Chelsea.
Carrick's position under threat
Carrick's future remains in doubt after back-to-back defeats by three-goal margins. On Monday, co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Avram Glazer, and Joel Glazer held a senior-level conference call with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox to discuss the manager's position.
Carrick was given a reprieve on Tuesday, but anything less than an impressive display against Chelsea could seal his fate.
