According to a report by Metro on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has criticised Bruno Fernandes over his public comments about the team’s tactics, arguing that the club captain may have damaged his relationship with managers and coaching staff.

Scholes expressed his displeasure after Fernandes questioned Manchester United’s approach during their disappointing 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como in Italy. The former midfielder believes the Portuguese international should have handled his concerns differently, particularly because of his responsibilities as captain.

Reacting to the controversy, Scholes questioned whether other managers would be willing to trust Fernandes with a leadership role in the future. He described the midfielder’s comments as unacceptable and suggested that the incident could affect his reputation within football.

Scholes said he found Fernandes’ remarks difficult to forgive and questioned how the player could expect to be trusted as captain of another team after publicly challenging his manager’s approach. He also suggested that a move away from European football, including a possible switch to Saudi Arabia, could be an option for the midfielder.

Fernandes reportedly expressed frustration with United’s tactical approach against Como, particularly the team’s failure to press individual opponents more aggressively. His comments raised questions about the relationship between the captain and Michael Carrick’s coaching staff at a time when the club was already struggling to produce consistent performances.

The situation attracted further attention when Fernandes was left out of United’s starting line-up for Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth. The captain remained on the substitutes’ bench throughout the game as his teammates struggled to make an impact and eventually suffered a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

Although his omission prompted questions about his standing within the team, it has not been established that the decision was directly linked to his public criticism of the tactics.

Scholes’ comments have added to the debate surrounding Fernandes’ conduct and responsibilities as captain. Club captains are generally expected to provide leadership, maintain communication with the manager and help the team navigate difficult periods. However, disagreements over tactics can arise, particularly when results fail to meet expectations.

Manchester United’s wider problems have also increased the pressure on Carrick, with the club reportedly enduring an eight-match winless run across all competitions. The manager faces another important test when United meet Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

Fernandes’ position will remain a talking point as the team prepares for the fixture. The midfielder will be hoping to move beyond the controversy and help United improve their results, while questions about his relationship with the coaching staff continue to attract attention.