Fernandes praised sacked Ten Hag and Van Nistelrooy — his silence on Carrick speaks volumes

Bruno Fernandes has made no secret of his affection for Manchester United’s last two departed managers, but his relationship with current boss Michael Carrick tells an entirely different story — one that is now playing out in the most public of ways.

Two years on from Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on 28 October 2024, Fernandes was dropped for United’s 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth after openly questioning Carrick’s tactics in the wake of a 4-1 midweek loss to Como. The captain’s public dissent and subsequent omission have placed Carrick under intense pressure at Old Trafford.

The Ten Hag farewell

When Ten Hag was relieved of his duties just nine games into the 2024/25 season, Fernandes was the first United player to break his silence. He posted on Instagram: “Thanks for everything, boss! I appreciate the trust and the moments we shared together. I wish you all the best in the future. Even knowing the last period hasn’t been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager has done for our club!”

The warmth was understandable. It was Ten Hag who stripped Harry Maguire of the captaincy in the summer of 2023 and handed the armband to Fernandes. Despite a turbulent tenure that included a Carabao Cup in 2023 and an FA Cup in 2024, the bond between the two was evident to the end.

Van Nistelrooy’s brief but fondly remembered stint

Ruud van Nistelrooy stepped in as interim manager following Ten Hag’s exit and lasted just 14 days, overseeing four matches. His final game in charge was a 3-0 Premier League win against Leicester City, and Fernandes again made his feelings clear in the aftermath.

“We wanted to say goodbye as a manager for him properly because he did good things for us,” Fernandes told the BBC after the Leicester victory. “Ruud van Nistelrooy fills the club, he loves the club, he wants to bring joy to the players. He brought everyone with a smile to the games, he just wanted us to enjoy it.”

As with Ten Hag, there was no public criticism, no suggestion of tactical disagreement — only respect.

A captain at odds with his manager

The contrast with Fernandes’ current posture could hardly be starker. His decision to question Carrick’s approach after the Como defeat, followed by his omission from the squad for the Bournemouth game, signals a breakdown in the relationship between United’s captain and its manager that neither party has been able to conceal.

Carrick remains in charge, but with the club in turmoil and its most influential player publicly at odds with the coaching staff, the situation at Old Trafford appears increasingly untenable.