COMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 21: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, reacts after during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Como 1907 and Manchester United at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 21, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
COMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 21: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, reacts after during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Como 1907 and Manchester United at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 21, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Danny Murphy insists Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick spectacularly mismanaged the Bruno Fernandes row.
The Premier League giants have once again descended into disarray, as an eight-match winless run has prompted negative reactions from within the club.
While Lisandro Martinez called out the hierarchy and Football Director Jason Wilcox after a Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, Fernandes instead vented his frustration at Carrick’s tactics a week later.
Murphy thinks Michael Carrick made a big mistake by leaving out Bruno Fernandes
Michael Carrick with Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
After the agonising 1-4 defeat in Como, Bruno blamed the technical staff for the result, insisting that Man Utd should have adopted a more aggressive approach and pressed high against their Italian opponents.
This sparked a swift response from Carrick, who suggested that the players should instead focus on working harder on the pitch.
Ashley Young criticises Bruno Fernandes' comments which have led to him being dropped:
"It's one of the worst things you can come out and say" [@SkySportsPL]
pic.twitter.com/yhVf4VDcaL
— utdreport (@utdreport) October 25, 2026
Four days later, Fernandes was dropped from the starting lineup for the first team this season. The Portuguese spent 90 minutes watching his teammates get pummelled by Bournemouth, who imposed their will at Old Trafford in what has become a familiar sight.
Nevertheless, Murphy slams Carrick for shooting himself in the foot by keeping his best player on the bench with the team trailing on the scoreline.
“I’m surprised they didn’t get it all sorted before the weekend’s game against Bournemouth because he’s your best player,’ said the former Liverpool midfielder during his appearance on talkSPORT (via Metro).
“He could have given him a rollicking in front of the boys regarding the comments which were ill-advised and bad timing with everything going on.
“Even if he was to put him on the bench against Bournemouth to make a point, not bringing him on was silly. If you’ve got no intention of bringing him on and punishing him, don’t put him in the squad.
“But when you’ve got your best player on the bench and you’re 2-0 down at half-time, that’s the time to say: ‘Go on then, show me how much you care, show me I was wrong.’ added Murphy.
“When you’ve got your best player who’s a leader and the other lads look up to him and probably like him. You’re punishing him in front of the world and you’re 2-0 down against Bournemouth. This is about United; it’s not about you and Bruno.”
How much were Man Utd affected by Bruno’s absence?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Michael Carrick speaks to Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Michael Carrick speaks to Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Since the start of the season, Fernandes hasn’t been at his usual elusive form. He seems to be a mere shadow of the player who provided his teammates with 21 assists last term and inspired the team to a third-place finish. His superb outing against Ipswich Town was the exception.
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Bruno’s Stats in 26/27 Appearances Goals Assists
Premier League 7 3 1
Champions League 3 1 0
Carabao Cup 1 0 0
Total 11 4 1
During the last international break, Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus revealed Bruno has been carrying an injury for weeeks, which may have affected his form.
That being said, Man Utd looked noticeably worse without the 32-year-old playmaker against Bournemouth.
Therefore, if United intend to kickstart a mid-season revival, their best bet is to help their captain find his footing.
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Related Items:Bruno Fernandes, Danny Murphy, Michael Carrick