Bruno Fernandes tribute to Michael Carrick reignites Manchester United tensions

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has faced a backlash from supporters after posting a farewell message to Michael Carrick just hours after the manager’s dismissal.

Fernandes shared a photograph of himself with Carrick on Instagram, alongside the brief message: “Thank you for everything, coach,” according to French outlet Foot Mercato.

The timing of the post angered some Manchester United fans, who questioned why it had been published while the club is dealing with a sporting crisis. Several supporters also criticised Fernandes’ performances during the season, arguing that the captain had not produced the level expected of him as results and displays deteriorated.

One fan described the Portugal midfielder’s action as “rude”, while another said Fernandes was not in a position to thank Carrick after the standard of football produced by the team.

Others focused on the timing of the message, saying it was inappropriate as Manchester United prepared for a change in the coaching staff and attempted to recover from a difficult period.

The reaction has also revived previous tensions between Fernandes and Carrick over tactical decisions. Fernandes publicly questioned Carrick’s approach after Manchester United suffered a heavy defeat by Como in the Champions League last month.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Fernandes criticised the lack of attacking pressure and said giving opponents large areas of space allowed them to grow in confidence and impose their style on matches.

He said the decision not to use individual pressing was the responsibility of the coaching staff, adding that opposing teams were benefiting from the space available to them.

When asked about the manager’s responsibility, Fernandes said choosing the tactical approach was not his role. However, he stressed that the team needed to show more courage under pressure and take the risk of applying a high press to opponents.

Fernandes was not the only player to have reservations about Carrick’s tactical changes, according to The Sun. The newspaper reported that several experienced members of the dressing room were unhappy with the new approach and preferred a return to the system Carrick had used during his interim spell last season.

That disagreement added further strain to the relationship between the squad and the coaching staff.

Manchester United’s decision to part company with Carrick came amid a run of poor results that has left the club in the relegation zone of the Premier League.

The club is now preparing for Mauricio Pochettino to take charge, with Fernandes’ message to Carrick continuing to fuel debate among supporters about the captain’s position during the team’s current crisis.