Michael Carrick is grappling with a growing crisis at Manchester United. The team is on a seven-match winless streak, and players have begun to publicly criticise the hierarchy.
Following a stinging 4-1 defeat against Como, Bruno Fernandes cast doubt on Carrick's tactics, urging the squad to play with more courage. In response, the manager attributed the team's failure to a lack of effort rather than tactical blunders.
Prior to this, defender Lisandro Martinez publicly slammed technical director Jason Wilcox over the summer transfer strategy. Former player Troy Deeney believes that Carrick's decision not to discipline Martinez set a dangerous precedent.
Last week, when Martinez said what he said, he should not have been allowed to play. It was crucial to nip that in the bud and just say: I accept your apologies and all that, but this week you’re out. I know he probably looked around and thought: I haven’t got many options, going to Elland Road and all. But this needed to be dealt with immediately.
Once he didn’t do that and Martinez took to the field, he unintentionally let Fernandes feel emboldened. Fernandes opens the hunting season: I can say whatever I want. When he hasn't scored or provide assists, he isn't a captain. He isn’t a leader.
