Manchester United legend Gary Neville has accused Bruno Fernandes of throwing manager Michael Carrick under the bus with his controversial post-match comments following the defeat to Como.
A reaction was expected after the humbling against Como but United plunged to another low with a disastrous 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.
Carrick made the bold decision to drop Fernandes to the bench and refused to introduce his captain, even as United desperately needed creativity to turn the game around.
Neville believes United’s supporters were right to stand firmly behind Carrick rather than demand the introduction of their captain during the Bournemouth defeat.
He said (via Sky Sports): “He has thrown his manager under the bus. The fans were not crying out for Bruno to come on 20 minutes ago when Shea Lacey came on.
“They were singing his name. Those fans when they want someone on the pitch, they tell you, whether you are Sir Alex Ferguson or Michael Carrick or Ralf Ragnick.
“They weren’t singing for Bruno to come on today. They are backing Michael Carrick, so get in your box. Bruno let himself down this week. He basically stuck the knife into his manager.”
Michael Carrick was right to punish Bruno Fernandes
United are not a better team without Fernandes. The 32-year-old is not a problem at the club but has been their saviour for over half-a-decade now.
He was the best player in the Premier League last season and has been the standout player for the Red Devils since he joined in 2020.
However, his remarkable contribution does not give him the right to publicly undermine Carrick and the coaching staff, particularly after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to a Como side that was competing in Serie B just two years ago.
Fernandes is entitled to disagree with his manager, but those concerns should have been addressed behind closed doors rather than aired publicly in a way that risks undermining the man in charge.
The Portuguese midfielder is clearly frustrated after another difficult campaign at United, with the prospect of ending yet another season without silverware seemingly weighing heavily on him.
Instead of allowing that frustration to spill over into public criticism, Fernandes should have channelled it into inspiring his teammates to produce better performances and secure more victories, just as he did last season.
Carrick is now expected to be relieved of his managerial duties, with INEOS likely to make a decision soon.
Stats from Fotmob.com