Jamie Carragher has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes after the playmaker appeared to question Michael Carrick’s tactics.
Fernandes was substituted in the 67th minute of Wednesday’s humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.
The Portuguese international suggested United’s approach partly caused their struggles in Italy, saying the coaching staff had decided against pressing opponents man-to-man.
“It was a decision from the staff not to press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind,” Fernandes said after the match.
However, Carragher was unimpressed by the midfielder’s remarks, insisting they were inappropriate for a player wearing the captain’s armband.
Speaking on CBS Sports, the former Liverpool defender said: “We said Lisandro Martínez was bang out of order last week for calling out the hierarchy above him.
“For Bruno Fernandes to do that is a disgrace, really.”
Carragher credited Carrick with helping Fernandes rediscover his best form last season and argued that the midfielder owed the manager more respect.
The Sky Sports pundit suggested Fernandes’ frustration stemmed partly from being substituted.
Carragher said that the 31-year-old’s attitude had not always matched the standards expected of a Manchester United captain.
He also questioned the midfielder’s pressing, claiming his tendency to chase the ball mindlessly could leave his teammates exposed and undermine the team’s defensive structure.
Carrick appeared to respond to Fernandes’ comments after the defeat, insisting that tactics alone could not explain United’s poor performance.
“Whatever system you play, whatever tactics you play, if you don’t run, and you don’t run forward, and you don’t run back, you aren’t going to win,” the Man United boss said.
Carragher backed the manager’s response, praising him for challenging his captain publicly and arguing that United’s problems extended well beyond the dugout.
United have now gone six games without a win across all competitions, with the defeat to Como following a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid and a 1-1 draw against Leeds United.