Michael Carrick has delivered a strong performance in his second role as Manchester United’s interim manager. Bruno Fernandes stands out as one key player thriving under his leadership.
Amorim’s Dismissal and Fernandes’ Revival
Ruben Amorim faced dismissal from Manchester United in January amid a string of disappointing results. Critics heavily targeted his team selections, particularly the decision to position club captain Fernandes in an unconventional role. Now, the Portuguese midfielder shines in his preferred spot under Carrick’s guidance.
Rooney Snubs Fernandes in All-Time United XI Debate
During a recent episode of Stick to Football, club legend Wayne Rooney joined Roy Keane and Gary Neville to discuss Fernandes’ potential spot in Manchester United’s greatest-ever XI. Rooney expressed doubt, stating, “I think Bruno is a top player but to get into Manchester United’s all-time XI, I don’t think so.” He added, “Well, you think you’ve got [Eric] Cantona, you’ve got all the midfielders and all the attacking players. I just don’t think, just on stats alone.”
Gary Neville highlighted the competition, noting, “You are talking about getting in front of people like Bobby Charlton in that attacking midfield position. [George] Best, Charlton, [Paul] Scholes…”
Roy Keane emphasized achievements, saying, “What if Bruno leaves in the next couple of years and he’s not got even a couple of league titles under his belt? Part of your greatness has to be getting your hands on trophies, it has to be.”
Ugarte Urged to Depart Old Trafford
Manuel Ugarte joined Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain in summer 2024 as a vital midfield addition. However, the 24-year-old has struggled to meet expectations. The deal could reach £50 million with performance add-ons, and his five-year contract extends to 2029.
Former Premier League midfielder Gus Poyet, a fellow Uruguayan, recommends Ugarte consider a summer exit. Poyet shared, “Yeah, and it has affected me a lot because he’s from Uruguay and before he went to Paris Saint-Germain, I wanted him to come to Chelsea.”
He continued, “I don’t know him, so I couldn’t call him! And he went to Paris Saint-Germain and I was a little bit upset because I thought it was perfect at that time for Chelsea. But after that, he kind of didn’t kick on. Paris Saint-Germain and now Man United.”
Poyet praised Ugarte’s skills: “He needs to find the right club. I think he’s a top player. I think he’s a top central midfielder. I think he can cover the pitch well. He can cover spaces. He can defend well. But he needs to find the team. He needs to find, I would say, the identity of a club to be able to play every week because he has even lost his main position at the national team.”
