Manchester United have reached a difficult point in their season, with performances on the pitch raising serious questions about the team’s direction.

The pressure on Michael Carrick has intensified after a run of disappointing results exposed problems that extend beyond tactics and team selection.

Old Trafford has also witnessed growing frustration from within the dressing room, with senior players becoming increasingly vocal about the club’s shortcomings.

Lisandro Martinez recently questioned United’s recruitment and leadership, placing further scrutiny on the relationship between the squad and the club’s hierarchy.

The 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como then brought another uncomfortable moment, with the team’s captain openly discussing the coaching staff’s tactical approach after the final whistle.

Bruno Fernandes’ comments have prompted debate over whether a captain should challenge his manager publicly, particularly when the team is struggling for results.

Michael Carrick speaks on punishing Bruno Fernandes

Carrick has now addressed whether he would strip Fernandes of the Manchester United captaincy, insisting that his priority is the team and the club rather than allowing the controversy to dominate proceedings.

“The most important thing for me is the team, the squad and dynamics in the squad.

“It’s about the football club. I’ll always do what is best for the football club.”

The United head coach was also asked whether players needed to stop making negative comments in public, following the latest controversy involving Fernandes and Martinez.

“We need to move forward, in the right direction, for sure.

“So we need to do things that enable us to do that, so it’s pretty clear.”

Carrick was then questioned about suggestions that the recent comments from senior players indicated a split within the United dressing room.

“It’s not divided, no. We just need to get back to doing what we do best and we will.”

Although Carrick did not explicitly announce a decision to remove or retain Fernandes as captain in those comments, reports indicate the Portuguese midfielder is expected to keep the armband and will not face disciplinary action over his post-match remarks.

United’s captain questioned the team’s approach after they were beaten 4-1 by Como in the Champions League, with the Italian side taking control early and exposing the visitors’ defensive weaknesses.

The latest comments suggest Carrick wants the focus to return to collective responsibility rather than allowing disagreements to develop into a public dispute between the manager and his captain.

Fernandes has also had to deal with an upsetting situation away from football after a burglary at his home was reported following United’s defeat in Italy.

Thankfully, his family were not at home during the incident.

Carrick was asked about the matter and expressed his support for the midfielder and his family.

“It’s an awful thing to hear about and to go through. We’re obviously doing a lot of work to support Bruno and his family.

“Thankfully, they weren’t directly affected, even though it’s an awful situation. I’m not playing it down in any way. We’re doing everything to support him.”

Carrick was also asked whether Fernandes would face punishment for his public criticism, but he again returned to the importance of the team and its internal relationships.

“The most important thing is the team, the dynamics in the squad. I will always do what is best for the club.

“Whatever the situation is, I will always do what is best for the club.

“If I spoke to him or not, I don’t think this is the time to go into that in much detail…”

His response offered little detail about any private conversation with Fernandes, but it made clear that Carrick does not intend to discuss every aspect of the situation publicly.

With United seeking a response in their next match against Bournemouth, Carrick will need his captain and the rest of the squad to put the controversy aside and deliver a performance that restores confidence.