Bruno Fernandes publicly criticised Michael Carrick and the coaching staff after Manchester United's 4-1 Champions League defeat to FC Como, prompting Express Sport writers to debate whether he should be stripped of the captaincy.
The United skipper kicked an advertising board after being substituted and then questioned the team's tactics in a post-match interview. Fernandes said: "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."
When asked if that cost United, he replied: "That's on the manager and on the staff to see it, it's not on me. I just said, I think sometimes we have to be more brave under pressure, trying to take a risk of getting that press very high and making them uncomfortable - as they did to us."
Mixed Views on Fernandes' Future as Captain
Patrick Austen-Hardy argued Fernandes should lose the armband, suggesting Harry Maguire should take over. He said Fernandes has had an average start to the campaign and was "a ghost" against Como, adding that Carrick should let Fernandes think about his actions on the bench until he apologises.
Kieran Horn said Fernandes is undoubtedly United's best player but is struggling. He suggested taking him out of the limelight for a few games, ensuring he does not play for Portugal during the November international break, and getting him back in his favoured position.
Support for Keeping the Armband
Joe Doyle said it was not the way to go about it from Fernandes, but suggested Carrick dropping him might send a bigger message than taking away the captaincy, especially with injuries blunting the attack.
Connor O'Neill said yes, Fernandes should be stripped of the captaincy, calling his comments "unacceptable" and worse than Lisandro Martinez's recent remarks. Stephen Killen argued against it, saying other leaders are in short supply at Old Trafford and stripping Fernandes would drive greater scrutiny on the club.
Bruna Reis also said no, calling removal an overreaction that would create further instability, and advised Carrick to address the situation privately.
