Manchester United Players Return Amidst Growing Criticism

Manchester United's players and staff returned to Manchester on Thursday morning, arriving in the early hours after a significant Champions League loss.

The team was defeated 4-1 by Como on Wednesday evening, marking a disappointing European performance for the club and extending their winless streak across all competitions to seven games. Their last victory was a 4-0 win against Sabah on September 10.

Among those pictured leaving Manchester Airport around 12:30 a.m. were manager Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens and midfielder Mason Mount, who also started in the match, were also seen departing in the damp conditions.

The focus has intensified on Carrick's management following Fernandes' public criticism of the team's tactics after the Como match, particularly their pressing strategy. This comes shortly after defender Lisandro Martinez voiced concerns about the club's hierarchy.

Jamie Carragher, a pundit for CBS Sports, described Fernandes' actions as a "disgrace" and questioned his suitability as Manchester United captain. Carragher criticized Fernandes' "awful attitude" and suggested his post-match comments were inappropriate, especially given his own performance and the manager's decision to substitute him.

"When you think about last season, he got player of the year. That was on the back of Michael Carrick becoming the manager," Carragher stated. "He wouldn't have got that award without Michael Carrick, because Michael Carrick put him back in his rightful position and he then went on to have a fantastic season because he's a talented footballer. But when you think of him as a footballer, he's a talent, but in terms of attitude and the way he goes about things, it's not right at all."

Carragher further elaborated on Fernandes' on-field actions, suggesting that his perceived efforts to engage the crowd sometimes hinder the team's pressing game. He contrasted Fernandes' behavior with that of former captain Bryan Robson, who he believes always prioritized the club and avoided publicly criticizing teammates or management.

"Years ago, there was a captain called Bryan Robson, one of the greatest players to ever play for Man United because he played for the club, he didn't throw the manager or the players under the bus," Carragher said. "He kept fighting for Manchester United and watching him throw his arms up every week in a game is an absolute disgrace, calling the manager out considering how he's performed this season on the pitch."