Ian Wright has said Bruno Fernandes will regret not leaving Manchester United when he had the chance last summer, following the midfielder's public fallout with manager Michael Carrick.
Fernandes was an unused substitute in United's defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, shortly after questioning Carrick's tactics in the wake of a 4-1 loss to Como. The captain is expected to return to the starting line-up against Chelsea on Saturday, but his relationship with the manager remains under scrutiny.
Fernandes' Contribution and Contract
The 32-year-old was United's standout player last season, recording 30 goal involvements in 35 games to help the side finish third after a slow start under Ruben Amorim. His contract includes a £57million release clause, but he reportedly turned down interest from Saudi Arabia to stay at Old Trafford for an eighth season.
Wright, speaking on The Overlap with Sky Bet, said Fernandes may already be regretting that decision given the club's difficult start to the campaign.
Wright's Criticism
"I backed him because of what he had achieved up to that point," Wright said. "He's dragged that team, done a lot of work himself and is probably frustrated now. He's given his best years to United and there's no way he won't be thinking he should have left."
Wright added: "It's not even a case of where [he could have gone], he will be thinking, 'I could have done this, I could have done that'. The fact is, I thought he would have changed his attitude and the way he is and he wouldn't be poisonous in the dressing room. But I genuinely believe he was the one loading the gun for Martinez and then the way that he came out afterwards and threw Michael under the bus, you see that he must be a nightmare in that dressing room."
Carrick's Response
Despite the public comments, Fernandes will keep the club captaincy. Carrick insisted the midfielder remains committed to United, saying in Thursday's pre-match press conference: "He's an important player for this group. He has been and he will be. Between us, we've got to make a difference and we've got to push things in a good direction. He's fully committed to this football club, he's fully committed to making things better. It doesn't change for me. He's the one that's kind of led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he'll continue to do that."
