Jamie Carragher breaks down Bruno Fernandes’ actions in the Manchester derby in a must-watch MNF clip.
Jamie Carragher wasn’t happy with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes after his “really poor” actions in Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Man United lost 1-0 to a 10-man Manchester City at Old Trafford. The winning goal by Erling Haaland caused some debate because VAR allowed it, even though Enzo Fernandez was offside and affected the play.
During the game, City got a red card when Phil Foden was sent off in the first half. That happened after a clash between Foden and Fernandes. Foden fell on the ball after Fernandes challenged him, and Fernandes then made contact with Foden’s back as he tried to clear the ball. This led to Foden reacting angrily and kicking out at Fernandes.
Fernandes then went down holding his stomach, and shortly after, the referee gave Foden a red card for violent conduct. Many people felt this decision was too harsh, thinking both players should have gotten yellow cards. Jamie Carragher agreed and pointed out Fernandes was actually at fault.
“I think two yellows would have been enough. Foden’s foot was high, but he didn’t lash out. For me, the guilty party is Bruno,” Carragher said on Monday Night Football. “Bruno fouled him, then kicked him when he was down, and then rolled around pretending to be hurt to try to get Foden sent off. I don’t think Fernandes handled that well; it was really poor.”
Carragher criticized Fernandes for exaggerating the contact, even though in the end, City won in a very controversial way.
Man United were outplayed and outpaced by City. Part of the blame was on coach Michael Carrick, who made a tactical change by bringing on Benjamin Sesko for Youri Tielemans in the 67th minute. This move pushed Fernandes into a deeper midfield role.
Carragher noticed this late in the game when Fernandes was marking Haaland deep in United’s half, while Diogo Dalot, a less skilled player, was higher up the pitch.
“The best player at Manchester United by far is Bruno Fernandes. So why is he marking Haaland? This is in the 88th minute. Carrick probably didn’t want that. But because of that change, Bruno ended up there, trying to get involved in everything.”
A few minutes later, with the game almost over and Manchester United losing 1-0 to 10 men, Fernandes was still marking Haaland deep in their half, leaving the ball with Dalot, who doesn’t have the same quality. Carragher pointed out this mistake clearly.
Man United will try to come back from this loss when they play Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, before heading to Fulham in the Premier League.