Soccer

Manchester United in Crisis: Will Carrick Drop Bruno Fernandes After the Como Defeat?

A captain questioning his manager, a humbling loss in Italy and a club still searching for answers.

· 2 min read
Manchester United v West Ham United (4-0), Premier League, Old Trafford, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, 13 August 2017
Manchester United v West Ham United (4-0), Premier League, Old Trafford, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, 13 August 2017Photo: Ardfern, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The crisis at Manchester United has taken a new turn. Head coach Michael Carrick has refused to rule out dropping captain Bruno Fernandes for Sunday's Premier League game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, after Fernandes appeared to criticize Carrick's tactics following a Champions League defeat to Como.

The Como Loss

United's trip to Italy was supposed to be a routine European night. Instead, Cesc Fàbregas' Como, the Italian upstarts, outplayed the Premier League giants. Como midfielder Paz was so impressive that United are now reportedly interested in signing him.

United sit low in the Champions League standings after Matchday 3, and the questions about the club's direction keep getting louder. See how the rest of Europe fared in our Champions League Matchday 3 roundup.

Fernandes vs. Carrick

After the game, Fernandes appeared to question the game plan. For a captain to criticize the manager publicly is rare, and Carrick's response has been firm: he would not rule out leaving his skipper on the bench.

It is a huge decision. Fernandes has been United's most productive player for years, but a manager who lets the dressing room undermine him rarely lasts.

Who's to Blame?

The bigger debate is about responsibility. Analysts point out that United's decline runs far deeper than any one coach:

  • Eight managers since Sir Alex Ferguson have struggled to get the players to buy in.
  • Critics question the club's recruitment and leadership structure, all the way up to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
  • Until there are significant changes at the top, many believe the next manager will face the same problems.

Bournemouth Will Be No Pushover

Sunday's opponent is flying. Bournemouth beat AC Milan 3-0 in the Europa League this week, another sign of the Premier League's dominance over European rivals. United cannot afford another poor result.

The Bigger Picture

While United search for stability, Europe's elite are thriving. Barcelona and Real Madrid meet this weekend in El Clásico, and the Ballon d'Or will be handed out on Monday.

Follow every twist at Old Trafford in our soccer coverage.

Background from Wikipedia

Manchester United F.C.

Manchester United Football Club, commonly referred to as Man United (often stylised as Man Utd) or simply United, is a professional football club based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. They compete in the Premier League, the top tier of English football. Manchester United are among the most successful football clubs in England, as well as one of the most successful football clubs in the world. Domestically, they have won a joint-record twenty top-flight league titles, thirteen FA Cups, six League Cups and a record twenty-one FA Community Shields.

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Why might Bruno Fernandes be dropped?

Fernandes appeared to criticize Michael Carrick's tactics after Manchester United's Champions League defeat to Como, and Carrick has refused to rule out leaving him out against Bournemouth.

Who manages Manchester United?

Michael Carrick is Manchester United's head coach.

Who did Manchester United lose to in the Champions League?

Manchester United lost to Italian club Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas.

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