Michael Carrick is never short of advice around how he should do his job as head coach of Manchester United.
Few of his players divide opinion quite so much as skipper Bruno Fernandes.
So, it stands to reason there are a variety of views around whether Fernandes should be dropped for Sunday’s vital Premier League game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Former Everton and Rangers striker Duncan Ferguson has no doubts.
“It is a big problem for Michael,” he told The Overlap podcast. “Put people in the team you trust. Your captain has thrown you under the bus. If you don’t think he is playing for you, get him out. I wouldn’t pick him even though he is their best player.”
Joe Smith, respected host of Manchester United fan channel Stretford Paddock, is of the same opinion.
“I don’t think Fernandes should play on the weekend,” he said. “I don’t think (Lisandro) Martínez should’ve played against Leeds, because otherwise they’re running the ship here.”
United fans heading back on flights from Como to Manchester had a view, although much of it was wrapped up in their general thoughts about the club, most of which were negative.
But only one man’s opinion really counts. Carrick is the man who picks the team.
His friend and former team-mate Wayne Rooney has a view on that.
“When Martinez came out, I said this is an absolute nightmare because it will rip the dressing room apart,” he said on the United Stand podcast.
“That was the start. We’ve seen it now with Bruno and you’re going to see it with more players because they don’t want to take responsibility.
“I was in that situation [as manager at Plymouth and Birmingham City] and if I was in Carrick’s position now, I’d come out fighting. There’s no more Mr Nice Guy.”
