Manchester United have been urged to consider selling captain Bruno Fernandes as the club faces another managerial crisis following Michael Carrick’s expected departure.

According to a report by FootballTransfers on Monday 26 October 2026, the club’s latest 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth has intensified scrutiny of the players and raised fresh questions about the dressing-room culture at Old Trafford.

Despite the disappointing result, Carrick received cheers from sections of the home support as he walked towards the tunnel after the final whistle.

However, the atmosphere changed when the players followed him off the pitch, with supporters directing their frustration towards the squad.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville criticised the players during his assessment of the defeat, suggesting that some had failed to give Carrick the support he deserved.

“They've teased him, haven't they? They've conned him for a few months. They have. They've conned him,” Neville said.

He also questioned the relationship between the manager and his players, pointing to Fernandes’ public comments as a possible indication of tensions behind the scenes.

“They’ve turned on him. And I know that because if Bruno Fernandes is turning on him publicly with that little statement, imagine what they're like behind the scenes.

“If that's your captain saying that, imagine what they're saying in the dressing room behind closed doors when no one's listening. That's horrific.”

Fernandes has been at the centre of discussions about the club’s internal tensions after comments made following Champions League defeats. Lisandro Martinez was also involved in the criticism directed towards the club’s non-playing staff.

The situation has become particularly significant because United are reportedly engaged in contract discussions with Fernandes.

The Portuguese midfielder remains one of the club’s key players, but his leadership role has come under scrutiny amid the latest controversy.

Carrick’s decision to leave Fernandes on the bench while United chased the game against Bournemouth also raised questions about their relationship, although the precise reasons for the selection decision remain unclear.

The FootballTransfers analysis argues that selling Fernandes could send a message that public disagreements with managers will not be tolerated. However, such a decision would carry sporting risks given the midfielder’s importance to the team.

United have experienced several high-profile disputes involving players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, making the latest controversy part of a wider debate about authority and accountability at the club.