Portuguese midfielder is getting into some hot water at Manchester United after a difficult start to the new campaign and recent disagreements with manager Michael Carrick, reports Metro on Friday October 30th 2026.

His criticism of Carrick’s tactics after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Como led to him being taken off the bench for the 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth last weekend. But he can expect to feature in the starting XI when they go to face Chelsea this Saturday.

This has caused some concern for the relationship between the captain and his manager.

Despite the controversy, Fernandes is one of United’s most effective players having contributed to 30 goals in 35 games across all competitions last season. Playing a key role in helping them get out of a difficult period during the reign of former manager Ruben Amorim.

He has a 57 million release clause and was courted by many Saudi Arabian clubs last summer but decided to stay at Old Trafford.

Wright explained on The Overlap why he once supported Fernandes’ decision to stay. "I was supporting him because he’d achieved so much."

But with the ongoing issues that the club are going through, the former Arsenal striker feels the midfielder may be regretting his decision. "He’s been dragging that team along and doing a lot of hard work. I’m sure he’s frustrated now."

"He’s given his best years to this club, there’s no way he isn’t thinking he should have left." Wright was also disappointed with how the midfielder dealt with the disagreement with Carrick.

" I really do think he was the one who was pointing the gun at Martinez. Then the way he came out afterwards and put Michael under the bus."

Carrick has said that Fernandes will continue to wear the captain’s armband. He believes that he is fully committed to helping improve the situation.

"He’s fully committed to this football club. He’s fully committed to making things better." Manchester United will be hoping the captain can move past this and play a key role against Chelsea.