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Bruno Fernandes has reportedly been viewed as a divisive figure in the dressing room by some of his Manchester United team-mates in recent years. The midfielder has prompted no shortage of controversy over the course of this season, with the Red Devils winning just twice in all competitions. He made headlines after last week's Champions League defeat to Como, when he publicly questioned Michael Carrick's tactics and said that it was up to the 45-year-old, not the players, to sort things out.
As a result of those comments, Fernandes was left on the bench for United's defeat to Bournemouth. He was sent to warm up in the second half, but wasn't introduced as the Red Devils conceded three goals without reply.
He returned to the starting line-up against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, though he couldn't prevent United from slipping to another painful defeat.
Before kick-off at Stamford Bridge, it was reported by the Daily Mail that Fernandes is considered a divisive member of the dressing room, even by some of his fellow team-mates.
He is described as an "emotional metronome" who often sets the mood around the club, both good and bad.
The midfielder is believed to have been "worn down" by United's current plight, which explains his body language on the pitch during some of their recent defeats.
It's claimed that while other players have distractions away from football, the 32-year-old finds it hard to switch off and is personally affected when United go through a bad spell.
Some insiders believe that Fernandes bonds the dressing room together, with questions over who else would wear the captain's armband if it was stripped from the Portugal international.
However, it seems a number of United players aren't totally convinced by his standing as an influential member of the squad.
A source is quoted as saying: "The players can be quite dismissive of him. Sometimes they roll their eyes when he's talking."
The report adds that his close relationship with former manager Ruben Amorim was "viewed with suspicion" by some members of the dressing room.
Fernandes would appear to be less fond of Carrick, given his scathing comments after the Como defeat, but the under-fire United boss appears to have drawn a line under the incident.
Explaining his recall to the starting line-up against Chelsea, Carrick said: "He's a big player, Bruno, he offers us so much, you know, with his experience," said Carrick.
"He's been through a lot here and achieved a lot and shown what he can bring to the team, so he's an important part of the team for us."
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