Manchester United Faces Pressure as Fernandes’ Bench Stance Tests Carrick’s Authority

European football expert Julien Laurens, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live: He believes that if the sanctions imposed on Lisandro Martinez had been the correct ones, Bruno Fernandes may not have made the comments he did after the Como game.

Mr. Laurens said the issue came down to boundaries and the need for a squad to set limits, adding that two senior players within six days confronting the sporting director, the owners, the manager and the staff had been embarrassing. He described the situation as a circus, and said: “Leave him at home, he doesn’t need to be on the bench—it’s half of a sanction again. He’s just going to be behind Carrick and I don’t think he should be there full stop.”

Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live: He called it a big decision but said he thought it was the right one, adding that while many people had raised eyebrows, he backed the call. He said it was difficult to criticise a manager tactically, and recalled that as a player he had a big mouth himself but would have gone toe-to-toe with the manager in the changing room or in front of people, rather than through the media.

Mr. Morrison said that if the team did not get a result after dropping its best player and captain, the responsibility would fall on Michael Carrick. “No-one is bigger than the football club,” he added.

Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, speaking to Sky Sports: He said Bruno Fernandes is Manchester United’s best player and that this could not be disputed. He noted that Fernandes was the PFA Player of the Year last year and that he had to make the stand, with Michael Carrick involved.

Mr. Carragher said that even though Fernandes was the best player, there were many who did not actually like playing with him in the United team. He claimed Fernandes was permanently throwing his arms up at people and was basically saying, “you’re not good enough to play with me.” He said that is what is seen from Fernandes when things are not going right for United.

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