Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has criticised Bruno Fernandes following the Portuguese midfielder’s public remarks about the team’s tactical approach, suggesting that his comments could have damaged his relationship with managers and coaching staff. According to a report published by Metro on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Scholes believes the United captain should have handled his concerns differently, given the responsibilities associated with his leadership role.

The controversy followed Manchester United’s disappointing 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como in Italy, after which Fernandes reportedly voiced his frustration with the team’s tactical decisions. His criticism focused particularly on the side’s approach to pressing opponents, raising questions about whether he was satisfied with the instructions being given by manager Michael Carrick and his coaching team.

Scholes was unhappy with the way Fernandes chose to express his concerns publicly. The former United midfielder questioned whether other managers would be comfortable appointing the 31-year-old as captain if he continued to challenge tactical decisions in such a manner. He argued that the incident could influence how the player is perceived by people within the football community.

Scholes also indicated that Fernandes’ remarks would be difficult for him to overlook. He questioned how a player who publicly criticises his manager’s approach could expect to earn the same level of trust and authority at another club. His comments reflected concerns about the relationship between a captain and the coaching staff, particularly during a period when a team is struggling to achieve positive results.

The former midfielder went further by suggesting that Fernandes might eventually consider leaving European football, with a potential move to Saudi Arabia mentioned as one possible destination. However, this was presented as Scholes’ opinion rather than an indication that the United captain is preparing to leave the club.

Fernandes’ comments have attracted attention because of his position within the squad. As captain, he is expected to provide leadership on the pitch, communicate effectively with the manager and help maintain unity during difficult periods. His frustration may reflect wider concerns about United’s performances, but the decision to express those views publicly has created a separate debate about how disagreements should be handled.

The situation became more complicated when Fernandes was omitted from United’s starting line-up for their Premier League meeting with Bournemouth on Sunday. The midfielder remained on the bench throughout the match as his teammates struggled to produce an effective performance before suffering a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

His absence immediately prompted speculation about his standing within the team and whether tensions had developed between him and the coaching staff. However, there has been no established confirmation that his omission was directly connected to his criticism of the tactics against Como.

Scholes’ intervention has added another dimension to the discussion surrounding Fernandes’ conduct and leadership. While captains are expected to represent their teammates and raise concerns when necessary, public disagreements with a manager can create uncertainty about the relationship between players and those responsible for making tactical decisions.

United’s broader difficulties have also intensified scrutiny of Carrick. According to the report, the club has endured an eight-match winless run across all competitions, increasing the pressure on the manager to find a way to improve performances and results.

Manchester United are scheduled to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, providing another important opportunity to respond to their recent setbacks. Fernandes’ role will remain under discussion as the fixture approaches, with attention focused on whether he returns to the starting line-up and how the team responds to the growing scrutiny.

The coming match could provide an opportunity for United to regain momentum, although the questions surrounding Fernandes’ relationship with the coaching staff remain unresolved. For now, Scholes’ criticism represents his assessment of the situation, while the precise reasons behind Fernandes’ omission against Bournemouth have not been confirmed.