Why Bruno Fernandes should actually thank Michael Carrick at Man Utd for reversing Ruben Amorim error

Ashley Young believes Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes should thank Michael Carrick for reversing an error Ruben Amorim made at Old Trafford.

Fernandes' relationship with under-pressure Man United boss Carrick has become strained in recent weeks. After the Portuguese maestro called out his manager's tactics following the humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League, Carrick dropped him to the bench for the visit of Bournemouth on Sunday.

Although the United boss insisted that it was a "purely football" based decision, there is a sense of awkwardness emerging at Old Trafford ahead of their trip to Chelsea on Saturday after it was confirmed Carrick would be in charge for the visit to Stamford Bridge.

READ MORE: Michael Carrick gives damning answer over decision to drop Bruno Fernandes

Ashley Young wants Bruno Fernandes to thank Michael Carrick for playing him advanced

Fernandes was an unusual substitute on Sunday as United were thrashed 3-0 by Bournemouth. Normally, the 32-year-old is one of the first names on the team sheet, but his performance levels have dropped since breaking the Premier League record for assists with 21 last term.

Carrick was a huge factor behind his incredible involvement in the final third, moving him into his preferred advanced role after his predecessor, Amorim, deployed him as a deep-lying playmaker or number six.

When discussing the Man United midfielder on the Overlap Daily, former Red Devils winger Ashley Young urged Fernandes to thank his manager for transforming his fortunes, while also slamming his 'selfish' actions as captain and unwillingness to work hard.

"Yeah, it's selfish nature. And you can't, for me, you can't pull the wool over ex-Man United players, Man United players, Man United fans," Young said.

"Because for me, and you just go back to the Como game, he'll do half press, he'll look round, throw his hands up in the air, just for the fans.

"That's not a Man United captain, that's not a leader. And all he's about is stats. And I know, last season, incredible, 21 assists, it broke the record; it was unbelievable.

"But he's got to thank Michael Carrick for putting him back in the position to be able to do that, because he was playing as a number six, deep-lying midfielder; he was a number eight, he was all over the place.

"But to be a Man United leader and lead properly, you're a team player."

Fernandes threw his own manager under the bus after the Como defeat by criticising their decision not to man-to-man press when many supporters have already called out the Portuguese international for his lack of effort.

READ NEXT: Ashley Young calls out Bruno Fernandes after spotting what he did before Man Utd kick-off

Man Utd set to activate option in Bruno Fernandes' contract

A player once revered by the Old Trafford faithful is at risk of ruining his reputation by putting himself amongst the toxicity.

To make matters worse, his performances on the field cannot bail him out like they did last season, as he hasn't returned a goal involvement in his last five Premier League matches.

Underperforming, not working hard, and blasting his manager in the press have only led to speculation over his future, which could be resolved by January.

Fernandes has a one-year option to automatically extend his contract, which expires in June 2027, and it appears United are willing to activate it to preserve his value before selling him in the summer.

Clubs from the Saudi Pro League are expected to return for the player in the next two windows after Al-Hilal tried to sign him previously, as the Red Devils hope to land a lucrative sum for their underperforming captain.

READ NEXT: Man Utd make decision on selling Bruno Fernandes after Como outburst as INEOS plan clever move