Paul Scholes Tells Bruno Fernandes He's 'Finished' as Man United Captain

Paul Scholes has declared that Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is "finished" and should consider leaving European football, suggesting a move to Saudi Arabia.

Scholes' strong rebuke comes after Fernandes publicly questioned manager Michael Carrick's tactics following Manchester United's Champions League defeat last Wednesday. Fernandes had stated that the decision not to press man-to-man against their Italian opponents allowed them to gain confidence.

"What Bruno Fernandes said last week, I think that’s unforgivable," Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast. "How can Bruno Fernandes be trusted to be captain of any team he ever goes to now? I think he probably needs to get away from European football and just go to Saudi, just get out the way. I don’t think any manager, any member of staff can trust him after that."

Fernandes, who joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, has been a consistent performer for the club, but his form has seen a dip this season. After recording a Premier League assist record of 21 last season, he has managed only one assist and three goals against Ipswich Town this term, with his other goal coming against Sabah in the Champions League.

Nicky Butt, Scholes' podcast partner, commented that Fernandes may have jeopardized his legacy with these recent remarks. "We sing his praises for his abilities, he’s been the only player for the last 12, 13 years that’s gone: ‘I know what it means to play for this football club and I’m good enough to play football and I’m going to carry it on my shoulders and I’m going to lead it. I’m going to score goals. I’m going to create. I’m not leaving. I’m staying. I’m fighting the fight.’ And he’s killed himself in one interview. Stupid."

This is not the first time Scholes has been critical of Fernandes' conduct. Earlier this season, he advised the midfielder to "keep your mouth shut" after Fernandes criticized the team's performance and mistakes made in their opening-day defeat to Hull City.

At that time, Fernandes had accused United of repeating the same mistakes from the previous season away from home, noting a lack of pressing and aggressive play, and conceding goals from set-pieces. Scholes questioned Fernandes' comments, particularly given his own performance in that match.

Scholes also previously criticized Luke Shaw for similar comments made after the Hull game, where Shaw suggested United "could prepare better" for set-plays. Scholes viewed Shaw's remarks as undermining Carrick and the coaching staff, stating that such comments would have been met with a stern response from former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Manchester United confirmed that Carrick will remain in charge as manager, despite a difficult run of results that has seen the team slip to 16th in the Premier League table, one point above the relegation zone. The club is set to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, where Carrick will be seeking an improved performance from his players.