Utd under fire as Bruno Fernandes faces captaincy criticism

45-year-old Michael Carrick, under pressure at Manchester United, is being urged to remove Bruno Fernandes as club captain after the midfielder’s comments following a 4‑1 Champions League defeat to Como. Transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey says the armband should go to another leader in the dressing room.

Captaincy under scrutiny after Como loss

Fernandes raised eyebrows after the 4‑1 Champions League defeat to Como, explaining that the staff had chosen not to press man‑to‑man and sometimes left space behind. He added that giving too much possession to such teams can boost their confidence. When asked if Carrick’s tactics were at fault, he replied that responsibility lies with the manager and staff.

Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Bournemouth, Michael Carrick of Man United was asked whether he would strip the captaincy. He answered, “I will always do what is best for the football club.”

Bailey calls for Maguire’s return

On the latest episode of the TEAMtalk podcast, Graeme Bailey ripped into Fernandes, urging Carrick to restore Harry Maguire as club captain. Bailey described Fernandes’ recent displays as “the worst from a Manchester United captain in recent times” and said he is “not fit to wear the armband.”

Carrick warns Man United they have lost their way before Bournemouth

Maguire served as United’s skipper from January 2020 until July 2023, when Erik ten Hag handed the armband to Fernandes. The midfielder has delivered numerous goals and assists, yet critics argue his behaviour does not match typical captain standards.

United’s shortlist of potential managers now includes Unai Emery, Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe, while chiefs Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell disagree over the next boss. A journalist revealed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe leans towards a particular candidate, though the club continues to place trust in Carrick.

Carrick promises measures as Manchester United sinks

Next, United’s fate will be decided by upcoming fixtures against Bournemouth, Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa, games that could determine Carrick’s future at the helm.