--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-10-25T04:09:48.623Z last_updated: 2026-10-24T12:51:40+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/manchester-united/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWFuY2hlc3RlcmV2ZW5pbmduZXdzLmNvLnVrL3Nwb3J0L2Zvb3RiYWxsL2Zvb3RiYWxsLW5ld3MvdW5pdGVkLW1hbi11dGQtbWljaGFlbC1jYXJyaWNrLTM0ODEyMjEz --- # Michael Carrick delivered brutal Man United comparison after squad speaks out - **Source:** - **Published:** 24 Oct - **Club:** Manchester United - **Original URL:** https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/united-man-utd-michael-carrick-34812213 The former United midfielder believes Fernandes' comments following their defeat to Como would have cost him dearly under Ferguson. Hargreaves went as far as to say the Portuguese star would never even have said them because of the consequences that would follow. Fernandes will apparently not even be punished for questioning Carrick's tactics after their Champions League loss. The Portugal international remains club captain and also appears in line to start United's next match against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday. Hargreaves was asked on TNT Sports who he would be angry about as a player in this scenario. He said: "To be fair, I would have never looked at my manager. "First of all, you would have never said that under Sir Alex because you would never have played again for the football club. Second of all, you've got to look at yourself first. "Not one Man United fan thinks Manchester United should be competing for the Premier League, not one. But the best you can do is put your best effort in every game, every time you step out there." Fernandes told the same broadcaster on Wednesday evening: "It's a decision from the staff not to press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball." When asked if Carrick got his tactics wrong, he said: "That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me." In response to whether the comments could be divisive, Carrick said at Friday's pre-match press conference: "The most important thing for me is the team, first and foremost, the squad, the dynamics in the squad. Again, it's about the football club. I'll always do what's best for the football club." Make sure you never miss the latest Manchester United news and opinion by making Manchester Evening News one of your Google preferred sources. Asked about the dressing room, Carrick was adamant: "It's not divided, no. It's not divided. We just need to get back to doing what we do best, and we will." He was also asked whether the club would consider stripping Fernandes of the captaincy as a result. Carrick replied: "I'm just saying, whatever the situation is, I'll always do what's best for the football club." United's head coach did not confirm whether he had spoken to Fernandes: "If I've spoken to him or haven't spoken to him, I don't think this is the time to go into too much detail." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.