…as Rooney brands players ‘selfish’ and ‘babies’ By Adegboyega Adeleye Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes will not be disciplined for his post-match criticism of head coach Michael Carrick following the club’s 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como, while former striker Wayne Rooney has branded the players “selfish” and “babies”.
According to the BBC, Fernandes will retain the captaincy despite questioning Carrick’s tactics after Wednesday’s damaging defeat in Italy, which intensified concerns over United’s performances and the manager’s future. The Portugal international criticised the team’s tactical approach and said it was the responsibility of Carrick and his coaching staff, rather than the players, to identify problems and make the necessary changes.
His comments were widely viewed as a challenge to Carrick’s authority, coming just eight days after defender Lisandro Martinez criticised director of football Jason Wilcox and the club’s summer recruitment. However, there is sympathy within Old Trafford for Fernandes, who conducted 10 post-match interviews despite being substituted for Joshua Zirkzee midway through the second half.
Although some of his remarks have disappointed the club, his frustration is understood given the scale of United’s defeat. It remains unclear whether Fernandes will feature in Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth. Carrick is expected to address the issue at his pre-match news conference on Friday.
Rooney slams ‘selfish’ Man Utd players Rooney said he was in “shock” and “disbelief” at United’s performance against Como, adding that he was as worried about the club’s situation as he had been “for a long time”. Speaking on the United Stand podcast, the former United and England captain said the public criticism from Martinez and Fernandes showed players were shifting blame instead of accepting responsibility.
“When Martinez came out, I said this is an absolute nightmare because it will rip the dressing room apart,” Rooney said. “That