According to a report by Metro on Friday, October 16, 2026, former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has urged Michael Carrick to consider dropping captain Bruno Fernandes from the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Leeds United.

Manchester United will travel to Elland Road hoping to end their five-match winless run in all competitions, but Parker believes Carrick may need to make a bold decision in midfield if he wants his team to return to winning ways and improve their performances.

Parker feels Fernandes has not done enough to help United during their difficult start to the season, despite his impressive performance against Ipswich Town, where the Portuguese midfielder scored a hat-trick and provided an assist.

Speaking about the United captain, Parker said: "They haven’t got someone who’s leading, Fernandes just doesn’t do enough and he’s had a poor season. He just hasn’t been there when it’s needed, and it’s costing United now, and I think a strong manager, a manager who wants to make a mark and is willing to be brave, is going to make that decision. He [Fernandes] gets frustrated too easily, and he takes it out on his teammates, and at the moment, you need everything together. So, I would leave out Fernandes and try to get as many legs on that pitch as possible."

Fernandes has struggled to make a difference in United's other five league matches, failing to record a goal or an assist, and Parker believes the team needs more energy and togetherness in the middle of the pitch.

However, dropping the club captain would not be an easy decision for Carrick, considering Fernandes remains an important player who can create chances and influence matches when he is at his best.

United need a strong performance against Leeds, and Carrick must decide whether to continue trusting Fernandes or make changes to give his side a better chance of securing all three points at Elland Road.