Jamie Carragher has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, branding the Portuguese a 'disgrace' for his post-match comments following the club's 4-1 defeat to Como

Jamie Carragher has unleashed scathing criticism of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes - labelling the Portuguese midfielder a 'disgrace.' The former Liverpool defender defended embattled head coach Michael Carrick and commended the 45-year-old for responding to the skipper following their 4-1 hammering at the hands of Como.

Carragher suggested that Fernandes' explosive remarks came after he was left 'embarrassed' by his 66th-minute substitution during their humiliation in Northern Italy. Nico Paz shone brightest as his double inspired Cesc Fabregas' side to a memorable victory and intensified the scrutiny on the Premier League-winning midfielder.

The United skipper joined Lisandro Martinez in delivering a shock statement during post-match media appearances. Fernandes directed criticism towards Carrick, pinning responsibility for the loss on Ruben Amorim's successor.

Make sure you don't miss sport's biggest stories and breaking news by making the Daily Mirror one of your Google preferred sources.

In an impassioned outburst, the footballer-turned-pundit speaking on CBS Sports accused Fernandes of 'killing' his teammates and being the reason for United's inability to press collectively. He said: "No (not a good look). We said Lisandro Martinez was bang out of order last week for calling out the hierarchy and for Bruno Fernandes to do that is a disgrace really.

"When you think about last season he got Player of the Season, that was off the back of Michael Carrick becoming manager, he wouldn't have got that without Michael Carrick because he got put back in his rightful position and went on to have a fantastic season because he's a talented footballer."

"But in terms of attitude, the way he goes about things, is not right at all. He's reacted like that because he's been brought off and he's been embarrassed by the manager because he's been brought off. When he talks about pressing, man-to-man or zonal, for years, Bruno Fernandes has meant Manchester United can't press.

"Because he does things for the crowd, I commentate on games and he runs all over and plays like a kid in the schoolyard, he plays for the supporters, it looks like he's working hard, he's not, he's killing the team doing it. He's not playing in a successful era for Manchester United.

Carragher continued: "Years ago, there was a captain called Bryan Robson, one of the greatest players to ever play for Man United because he played for the club, he didn't throw the manager or the players under the bus.

"He kept fighting for Manchester United and watching him throw his arms up every week in a game is an absolute disgrace, calling the manager out considering how he's performed this season on the pitch.

"Awful attitude and not what a Manchester United captain should do."

Carragher acknowledged that a change in the dugout is required at Old Trafford following the loss, which extended their winless run to seven matches. During his post-match media briefing, Carrick hit back at Fernandes by suggesting that 'if you don't run forward and back, you aren't going to win.'

The response earned praise for Carrick, with Carragher emerging as an unexpected supporter as he confessed to feeling sympathy for the manager.

"Isn't it funny, how many managers has Bruno Fernandes had? So every single manager doesn't have a philosophy? How many managers are we on now? Five?" said the former Liverpool man.

"It's an easy thing to say, Fabregas is the best new thing in managerial teams but Man United is rotten from top to bottom. Not just the manager, the whole club, who has got the answers?

"We comment on it all the time. Are we ever right really? No one else seems to. There's no doubt the manager needs to be changed now, this can't go on for a club of this stature but I'm glad Michael Carrick come out and said that about Michael Carrick. They don't run.

"What he did last season, no one proclaims Michael Carrick is one of the greatest managers in Europe but what he did was come in and helped his own football club, he was out of work, come in and done amazing, the only reason they're in the Champions League is because of Carrick.

"He got them in there, the reason they got another £100m to £150m, no one thought they'd be there. I feel sorry for him a little bit. It's not working out and it needs to be changed.

"I'm delighted he brought him off and a pop back because that what they need some of them players."