What is wrong with Bruno Fernandes?
A day before Manchester United's trip to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, the club issued a statement on captain Bruno Fernandes. It spoke of an "injury niggle" but stressed there was "nothing to worry about". His performance on the night suggested otherwise.
Key points
- Bruno Fernandes has played 96 per cent of available minutes under Michael Carrick.
- Fernandes took 23 minutes to complete his first pass against Tottenham last weekend.
- Leeds enter the fixture ahead of United in the table for the first time since September 2002.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is under scrutiny after a poor performance in Tuesday's Champions League match at Atletico Madrid. The club had issued a statement the day before the game, citing an "injury niggle" but saying there was "nothing to worry about". His display at the Metropolitano suggested otherwise, and his form has become a problem for manager Michael Carrick.
Fernandes, last season's Premier League player of the season, has struggled to contribute offensively and offers little else when not producing. Former captain Wayne Rooney said at half time in Madrid: "Maybe they need to take Bruno off because he's not having the best game."
Carrick's reliance on Fernandes
Fernandes has played 96 per cent of all available minutes under Carrick. He has been substituted only three times, against Manchester City, Liverpool and Atletico, all after the 81st minute. He was benched once, in the EFL Cup against Brighton in September.
Carrick cannot cope without him, but the manager will recognise his captain's dip. Beyond productivity, Fernandes's body language has been unhelpful, showing visible frustration during the Madrid game.
Maybe they need to take Bruno off because he's not having the best game
— Wayne Rooney
Deeper issues at the club
Lisandro Martinez gave an extraordinary rant on Tuesday, criticising the club's hierarchy. His comments went viral, and the article says he was voicing what most observers believe: United's squad lacks the talent and depth to compete three times a week.
The article states that one side of Manchester is criticised for spending too much while the other is charged with spending too little. It says this is not Carrick's fault but the failing of those "upstairs". A loss to Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday would begin full crisis mode.
