Bruno Fernandes has sent a brutal message to Michael Carrick and Manchester United after the club's captain was benched for the Red Devils' 3-0 hammering by Bournemouth

Bruno Fernandes has seemingly sent a brutal message to Manchester United and manager Michael Carrick amid their ongoing row. Club captain Fernandes, 32, watched on from the bench as his team were humiliated for the second time in five days.

The United skipper had started against Como 1907 on Wednesday evening, but was unceremoniously hooked for Joshua Zirkzee on the banks of the Italian beauty spot. And he pulled no punches about Carrick's tactics after the full-time whistle, laying into his manager's approach to the Champions League encounter.

His comments led to him being dropped for the Red Devils' crushing 3-0 loss to the Cherries on Sunday afternoon. And after not being introduced to the action, the petulant Portuguese ace has sent a savage message to Carrick.

Eagle-eyed football fans spotted Fernandes had liked an Instagram post that many thought was a message to his boss. The post, which featured an AI generated image, read: "Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care."

"Damn," one fan said on X, formerly known as Twitter, sharing a screenshot of the post. "Can't blame him. Gave his best years to the club and it was all for nothing," a second fan admitted.

"This is not looking good at all," a third shared. And another added: "We cannot underestimate the potential impact on the dressing room as a result of a fallout with Bruno Fernandes..."

Carrick's future is looking increasingly uncertain - with just two wins in all competitions this season. And speaking to Sky Sports after the full-time whistle, Carrick was asked his future at the club after he appeared to wave goodbye to the United fans.

"It wasn't from me. I'm feeling mixed emotions. I feel for the players as they are going through a tough spell. Some of it we can help, for some the situation unravels. The boys are feeling it.

"I have mixed emotions to have that connection with the supporters in the moment we're in. I need time to digest that. I appreciate their support but the situation is where it's at. We haven't been good enough."

He added: "It's a tough situation. What is next? I don't know. I'll always do what's best for this football club. I don't change that now. I love what I do. I love the responsibility. But we'll have to wait and see."