Manchester United have made a major decision on stripping Bruno Fernandes of the captaincy after he slammed Michael Carrick’s tactics in the 4-1 hammering by Como.
Fernandes criticises Carrick
United plunged to a new all-time low on Wednesday as they were comprehensively beaten by Champions League debutants Como in Italy.
Nico Paz broke the deadlock inside two minutes and then turned provider for Anastasios Douvikas just moments after the break. Paz completed his brace at the hour mark before defender Jacobo Ramon made it 4-0 for the hosts.
Joshua Zirkzee came on from the bench and scored a consolation prize for the Red Devils in injury time.
The moment the final whistle blew, the finger-pointing began. A visibly shaken Carrick questioned his players’ work rate and application, while Fernandes fired back at the manager and his staff over their tactical calls, even revealing that the players were told not to press man-to-man.
Carrick used his press conference to push back against Fernandes, reiterating once again that his players simply were not committed to the required level.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that members of United’s football hierarchy were left shocked by the extremely poor team display.
Pressure is mounting on Carrick to turn things around but there is a growing feeling that his dismissal is only a matter of time.
According to Sky Sports, United have decided Fernandes’ fate.
United make Fernandes decision
According to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, “Excl: Bruno Fernandes will not be stripped of the Manchester United captaincy and is unlikely to be disciplined by the club following his criticism of the coaching staff after the defeat to Como.”
“Disappointment with comments, but wider feeling is he was voicing understandable anger at the manner of the defeat.”
“Meanwhile, we’ve been told Carrick will take charge of United as usual for Sunday’s game v #Bournemouth but there is growing concern among club bosses about the team’s poor run of form.”
“No plans beyond Sunday’s game.”
Excl: Bruno Fernandes will not be stripped of the #mufc captaincy and is unlikely to be disciplined by the club following his criticism of the coaching staff after the defeat to Como.
Disappointment with comments, but wider feeling is he was voicing understandable anger at the manner of the defeat.
Meanwhile, we’ve been told Carrick will take charge of United as usual for Sunday’s game v #Bournemouth but there is growing concern among club bosses about the team’s poor run of form. No plans beyond Sunday’s game.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) October 22, 2026
United vs. Bournemouth kicks off at 3 pm.
Featured image by Marco Luzzani via Getty Images
