Manchester United have decided not to punish Bruno Fernandes following his public criticism of Michael Carrick after Wednesday’s humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.
The United captain questioned Carrick’s tactical approach following the loss in Italy, suggesting it was the responsibility of the manager and his coaching staff to identify problems and make changes during matches.
Despite concerns over his comments, Fernandes will retain the captaincy and will not face disciplinary action.
The decision comes amid growing unrest at Old Trafford, with former United striker Wayne Rooney launching a scathing attack on the club’s players.
The Portuguese midfielder conducted 10 post-match interviews despite being substituted for Joshua Zirkzee midway through the second half.
However, the club have decided against taking disciplinary action.
It remains unclear whether Fernandes will start Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Rooney slams United players as ‘selfish’ and ‘like babies’
Former United captain Rooney was furious with the performance against Como and accused the players of attempting to shift responsibility away from themselves.
“When Martinez came out, I said this is an absolute nightmare because it will rip the dressing room apart,” Rooney told the United Stand podcast.
“That was the start. We’ve seen it now with Bruno and you’re going to see it with more players because they don’t want to take responsibility.”
Rooney insisted Fernandes and his teammates needed to take greater accountability for their performances.
“These players, they’re selfish. They don’t care about their team-mates, don’t care about the manager, the staff or the fans, they care about themselves.
“If they’re not getting what’s right for them, they’re like babies and just throw their toys out of the pram and go and deflect the blame on to anyone else but themselves.
“He [Fernandes] is putting pressure on someone else because he doesn’t want to face it,” Rooney added.
“If he looks at himself in the mirror, if Martinez and all of them looked at themselves in the mirror, they’ll find what’s looking back at them is them, and that’s not good enough. They need to show more.”
You Should Also Read
