Bruno Fernandes will remain as Manchester United captain and will not be disciplined for his post-match criticism of Michael Carrick after the 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como — one of the worst results in United’s European history. The decision comes as club legend Wayne Rooney tore into the squad, branding the players “selfish” and saying “they’re like babies.”
Wayne Rooney with former teammate Michael Carrick (Credits: BBC)
The United skipper criticised Carrick’s tactics for the Como game, then said it was up to the head coach and his backroom team — not the players — to spot issues and change them. It was seen by many externally as a challenge to Carrick’s authority, just eight days after Lisandro Martinez criticised director of football Jason Wilcox and the club’s summer recruitment.
Why Fernandes Keeps the Man Utd Captaincy
Inside Old Trafford, there is sympathy for Fernandes for the position he found himself in. The Portugal midfielder did 10 post-match interviews in Como despite being replaced by Joshua Zirkzee midway through the second half. While there is disappointment at some of his comments, it is acknowledged his annoyance was understandable given the manner of the loss. It remains to be seen whether Fernandes will be picked for Sunday’s Premier League encounter with Bournemouth at Old Trafford, with Carrick’s pre-game news conference scheduled for 13:30 BST on Friday.
Rooney Blasts “Selfish” Players: “They’re Like Babies”
Former United striker Wayne Rooney said he was in “shock” and “disbelief” at the Como performance and is as “worried as I’ve been for a long time” about the situation at Old Trafford. While he understands the questioning of Carrick — a close personal friend — Rooney pointed the finger at the squad.
“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. “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.”
Rooney also called on the Manchester United board to provide clarity on the future of Carrick, who he believes needs to “come out fighting.” Notably, Fernandes’ form has dipped markedly from last season, when he was named PFA and FWA Player of the Year and broke the Premier League record for assists in a single season.
Also Read: Michael Carrick Carrying On as Man Utd Line Up Possible Replacements After 4-1 Como Defeat | Jamie Carragher Slams Bruno Fernandes’ Como Outburst
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
