Gary Neville calls out ‘complainer’ Bruno Fernandes as two Man Utd players are sharply criticized as ‘not good enough’ after loss to Bournemouth
Gary Neville has criticized Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes after their 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
United’s poor start to the 2026/27 season hit a new low on Sunday (October 25), with Michael Carrick’s team delivering a disappointing performance in front of a frustrated home crowd. Bournemouth’s goals from Rayan, Marcus Tavernier, and Evanilson capped off an impressive week for the Cherries, who also beat AC Milan last Thursday (October 22).
This latest defeat has increased the pressure on Carrick, with reports saying the club’s leaders will hold an urgent meeting to discuss the head coach’s future.
Before the Bournemouth game, Carrick made a bold choice to drop Fernandes to the bench after the midfielder publicly questioned his tactics following a heavy 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League on October 21. Carrick said it was purely a football decision, but Fernandes stayed on the bench despite the team struggling to create chances.
Even with Fernandes watching from the sidelines, former United captain and current pundit Neville did not hold back in his criticism on his podcast. Neville said Fernandes was “letting himself down” with his behavior last week and accused him of “sticking the knife into his manager.”
Neville explained, “Eric Cantona was a different kind of captain, and Roy Keane could be fiery after matches, but they never complained about tactics or made excuses. Bruno can’t press properly. For him to complain about the manager’s tactics right after a 4-1 loss, taking thousands of fans who traveled and sat in the rain into account, he needed to read the room.”
He added, “This isn’t the time for moaning or giving up. It’s the time to step up and say, ‘That’s not good enough.’ Be positive and lead. But Bruno didn’t. He basically threw his manager under the bus, just like Lisandro Martinez did last week.”
Martinez had also publicly criticized the club’s recruitment and sporting director after a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid.
Neville also noted the fans were supporting Carrick, not Fernandes. “The crowd wasn’t calling for Bruno to come on; they were behind Michael Carrick.”
“He’s won things for this club and shown humility and resilience. Bruno is talented and has given more than anyone in the last 13 years, and you could even see him fitting into United teams from the 90s or 2000s. But this week, he let himself down by attacking his manager like that.”
Neville didn’t just stop with Fernandes—he also said right-back Leny Yoro and left-back Diogo Dalot “should not be playing” for United right now, and that the whole defense needs a rethink.
“You’ve got no reliable defenders,” Neville said. “It’s a mistake to have left that defense on the pitch. I’ve played in that shirt, so I’m fair with my words, but Yoro shouldn’t be playing right back, and Dalot shouldn’t be at left back. Ayden Heaven is still learning, but he should be developing in easier games, not these tough matches.”
No final decision has been made about Carrick’s future yet, though former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann are rumored to be possible replacements if Carrick leaves.
After the game, Carrick appeared to wave towards the fans, with some thinking it was a goodbye. But he said that wasn’t true.
“It wasn’t a farewell,” Carrick told Sky Sports. “I have mixed feelings. I feel for my players because this is a tough time for them. Some of it we can fix, but sometimes things just unravel. The boys are feeling it right now.
“I also have mixed feelings about how the fans reacted. That connection with them brings mixed emotions. It’ll take time to process, but I definitely appreciate their support.
“We’re in a tough spot and haven’t had the results or performances we need.”
United will face Chelsea away on October 31 as they try to turn things around.