Paul Scholes did not hold back after Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned Michael Carrick’s tactics following Manchester United’s heavy defeat to Como.
Speaking on Good, the Bad and the Football, the former Manchester United midfielder said Fernandes is "finished" at the club and suggested he should "just go to Saudi" after the public fallout. Scholes also said, "What Bruno Fernandes said last week, I think that’s unforgivable," before adding, "How can Bruno Fernandes be trusted to be captain of any team he ever goes to now?"
The row began after Manchester United lost 4-1 to Como in the Champions League last week. Fernandes then criticized Carrick’s approach, saying it was a staff decision not to press man-to-man and to leave space in behind, while also arguing that giving the ball away too often allowed the opposition to grow confident and made United’s players frustrated.
The situation spilled into the weekend, when Manchester United lost 3-0 to Bournemouth. Fernandes, the club captain, was benched for that match at Old Trafford on Sunday, adding another layer to a dispute that has quickly become one of the club’s biggest talking points.
What Scholes and Butt said
Scholes went even further in his criticism, saying, "I don’t think any manager, any member of staff can trust him after that." The comments framed Fernandes’ public remarks as a line crossed, not just a disagreement over tactics.
Nicky Butt offered a different perspective on Fernandes’ importance, saying, "We sing his praises for his abilities." He also said Fernandes had been the only player for the last "12, 13 years" who seemed to understand what it meant to play for Manchester United, adding that he had carried the team, scored goals and created chances while staying to fight for the club. But Butt also said, "And he’s killed himself in one interview. Stupid."
The Athletic reported that Carrick and Fernandes are expected to "draw a line under it," but the public comments have already created an uncomfortable backdrop for Manchester United. After a 4-1 defeat, a 3-0 loss and a captain being dropped, the immediate question is less about one interview and more about whether the trust around Fernandes can be rebuilt.
