Sunday afternoons at Old Trafford used to feel like an event.

This one felt more like an inquest, with the mood curdling long before the half-time whistle.

Supporters who had come to watch their team spent much of the afternoon watching the touchline instead.

Chants rang out for the manager, a rare show of devotion in a season that has offered precious little else.

By full-time, the mood had settled into something closer to resignation than anger.

Bruno Fernandes hints at wanting Manchester United exit

Bruno Fernandes has liked an Instagram reel featuring the message, “Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care”, adding another talking point to the Manchester United captain’s increasingly difficult week.

The social-media activity has attracted attention because of its timing, coming after Bruno Fernandes was left out of United’s starting XI for Sunday’s Premier League defeat to Bournemouth.

The midfielder had been a regular starter under Carrick, but his public criticism of the team’s approach against Como was followed by a place on the bench at Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire wore the captain’s armband as United attempted to halt their poor run.

Fernandes appeared subdued on the sidelines as United struggled once again, eventually losing 3-0 to Bournemouth.

Carrick insisted the decision to leave his captain out was based on footballing considerations rather than a disciplinary response to the comments made in Italy.

It remains unclear whether Fernandes intended the reel’s message as a reference to his own situation.

There is, however, a clear history behind the discussion surrounding Fernandes and loyalty.

In December 2025, the United captain spoke about rejecting a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, who were reportedly prepared to offer a transfer fee of around £100 million and wages substantially higher than his earnings at Old Trafford.

Fernandes explained that he had chosen to stay because he genuinely loved the club and believed he could still win major trophies with United.

He also admitted that he had been hurt by the impression that the club might have been willing to let him leave.

“I could have left in this transfer window, I would have earned much more money.

“I would have won many trophies this season, but I decided not to go, not only for family reasons but because I genuinely love the club.”

He had remained at Old Trafford through difficult periods, but felt that his willingness to stay had not necessarily been matched by the same commitment from those in charge.

The social-media story has also emerged during a difficult spell for Fernandes on the pitch.

The Portuguese midfielder produced an outstanding 2025/26 season, recording 21 Premier League assists.

Fernandes scored a hat-trick against Ipswich in August, but his output subsequently slowed.

Before the Bournemouth fixture, he had gone five consecutive Premier League appearances without scoring or assisting.

For now, the Instagram reel remains a social-media detail rather than confirmation of a rift or a message directed at any individual.

If the loyalty message was intended to reflect his feelings about the situation, Bruno Fernandes has not publicly explained that.