A day before Manchester United's trip to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, the club issued a statement on captain Bruno Fernandes. It spoke of an "injury niggle" but stressed there was "nothing to worry about". His performance on the night suggested otherwise.
Perhaps the reference to an injury was meant to mediate the criticism that has begun to engulf last year's Premier League player of the season. His form has become an unexpected problem for Michael Carrick, a manifestation of where Man Utd stand more broadly. So often United's saviour, Fernandes is currently his side's scourge, the issue being that if he is not contributing offensively, he offers virtually nothing else.
Clearly it is not the 32-year-old's role or repertoire to be combative against the ball. But United's fragility means they cannot afford to carry passengers either. Bruno Fernandes has gone four Premier League games without scoring or assisting, his longest run since going seven in April and May 2025.
Is it too early to push the panic button? To bomb Fernandes off to the bench would be a bold call from Carrick. For starters, who would replace him?
Mason Mount would be the obvious choice. Matheus Cunha can also play as a No 10. Both would be experimental choices in choppy waters.
Sunday's trip to Leeds, live on Sky Sports, will be considered must-win. Of course, Carrick must also weigh up the significance of dropping his talisman, United's best player, and the one individual who, through all the turmoil, has shown himself to be the true embodiment of Old Trafford heart and tradition. If such a decision backfires, Carrick opens himself up to even greater criticism.
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