Shearer: Fernandes 'Tarnished' Man United Legacy After Carrick Criticism

Former Premier League top scorer Alan Shearer has stated that Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has "tarnished" his legacy at the club due to his public criticism of manager Michael Carrick.

Fernandes' comments emerged following Manchester United's 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League, after which he was notably excluded from the squad for a subsequent loss against Bournemouth. This incident followed similar questioning of the club's internal operations by Lisandro Martinez, which had previously cast doubt on his future at Old Trafford.

"Fernandes is going to have to go out and perform, which he hasn't done for large parts this season," Shearer said in comments to Betfair. "I know he's been Man United’s go-to player for a long time now, he's been their best player, but it's no way for the captain to behave. He owes the manager a performance, he owes the club a performance, and he owes the fans a performance."

Shearer suggested that the midfielder's previous achievements at the club are now overshadowed. "I think he has tarnished his legacy at the club," Shearer added. "I think the reaction that you saw at the end of the game against Bournemouth last week was pretty telling whose side the fans are on and it's Michael Carrick's, not Bruno Fernandes’, despite what he's done for the club."

Clear-the-air discussions reportedly took place between Fernandes and Carrick after the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, and the midfielder is expected to be reinstated for the upcoming match against Chelsea. However, Shearer remains unconvinced that the issues have been fully resolved.

"Fernandes and Carrick’s peace talks could’ve and probably should’ve happened before the game last week," he commented. "Then there might not have been as much noise. Are they just papering over the cracks? I've been in a situation myself where I've not really got on with the manager in terms of Ruud Gullit and I guess you'd have to be on the inside to know what's really going on, but it would seem strange for him saying what he said, being left out and then being reinstated and then walking out as captain this week. It's not a good look, is it? It's pretty chaotic."

Mana­ger Michael Carrick is under pressure with Manchester United languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone. The club's hierarchy, including minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer, held crisis talks earlier in the week. Despite the precarious league position, Carrick has reportedly been given a second chance, with the team focused on improving performance on the pitch.

Initial signs that Carrick would remain in his post emerged Tuesday morning when he was seen arriving at the club's Carrington training facility. He had also been present at the training ground on Monday, observing an Under-21 match.