Scholes says Fernandes is 'finished' at Man Utd after public Carrick criticism

Paul Scholes believes Bruno Fernandes has played his last meaningful role at Manchester United, calling the captain’s public criticism of manager Michael Carrick “unforgivable” in the aftermath of a turbulent week that saw the club lose 4-1 to Como in the Champions League and 3-0 to Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Fernandes was substituted during the Como defeat at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, visibly shaking his head as he left the pitch. He then openly questioned Carrick’s tactical approach in post-match media comments, suggesting that the decision not to press man-to-man allowed Como to grow in confidence and left United’s players physically and mentally drained when they won the ball back.

Carrick responded sharply in his own press conference, making clear that his system depends on every player fulfilling their defensive workload. Fernandes was subsequently dropped to the bench for the Bournemouth defeat at Old Trafford.

Speaking on the Good, the Bad and the Football podcast, Scholes — a Champions League winner with United — did not hold back. “What Bruno Fernandes said last week, I think that’s unforgivable,” the 51-year-old said. “How can Bruno Fernandes be trusted to be captain of any team he ever goes to now? I think he probably needs to get away from European football and just go to Saudi, just get out the way. I don’t think any manager, any member of staff can trust him after that.”

Former United midfielder Nicky Butt echoed the sentiment, arguing that Fernandes had damaged a legacy built on being the one player willing to carry the club through its recent struggles. “He’s been the only player for the last 12, 13 years that’s gone, ‘I know what it means to play for this football club and I’m good enough,’” Butt said. “And he’s killed himself in one interview. Stupid.”

Despite the severity of those verdicts, The Athletic has reported that Carrick and Fernandes are expected to draw a line under the dispute, suggesting the fallout may stop short of a permanent rupture — at least in the short term.