Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes will retain the armband and face no disciplinary action following his public criticism of head coach Michael Carrick after the club’s 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como.
The Portugal international questioned Carrick’s tactics after the heavy loss, insisting that identifying problems and making the necessary adjustments were the responsibility of the head coach and his backroom staff, rather than the players.
His remarks were interpreted by some observers as a challenge to Carrick’s authority, particularly given the timing of the comments, which came just eight days after United defender Lisandro Martinez reportedly criticised director of football Jason Wilcox and the club’s summer recruitment.
However, there is understood to be sympathy for Fernandes within Old Trafford, with the club recognising the difficult position he found himself in after the disappointing performance.
Fernandes conducted 10 post-match interviews in Como despite being substituted for Joshua Zirkzee midway through the second half.
Although there is disappointment within the club over some of his comments, his frustration is understood to be considered understandable given the nature of the defeat, which ranked among Manchester United’s worst performances in European competition.
The decision not to discipline Fernandes means the midfielder will continue as United captain, although questions remain over whether he will feature in Sunday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Carrick is expected to face questions about Fernandes’ comments and the situation surrounding the team when he addresses the media at his pre-match press conference at 13:30 BST on Friday.
The incident comes at a sensitive time for United, with scrutiny increasing over the club’s performances, recruitment decisions and leadership following a damaging European defeat.
Whether Fernandes starts against Bournemouth remains to be seen, but the club’s decision to stand by him as captain suggests his post-match outburst will not, in itself, lead to disciplinary consequences.
