Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-24
**Lead**
Reports emerging from British media suggest that Michael Carrick, the former Manchester United midfielder and current Middlesbrough manager, is weighing up the possibility of stripping Bruno Fernandes of the club's captaincy should he be offered a coaching role at Old Trafford in the near future. The speculation has reignited debate over the Portuguese playmaker's leadership credentials and his ongoing struggles with consistency on the pitch.
**Context**
Bruno Fernandes was appointed Manchester United captain by manager Erik ten Hag in July 2023, following the departure of Harry Maguire. The move was seen as an attempt to instil a more vocal and demanding leader in the dressing room. Fernandes, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, had previously worn the armband on several occasions and was widely regarded as the team's most influential player. However, the 2024-25 season has seen a noticeable dip in his performances, with a number of high-profile errors and a perceived lack of discipline drawing criticism from fans and pundits alike. His tendency to argue with referees and gesture at teammates has been highlighted as a potential distraction.
Michael Carrick, who made 464 appearances for Manchester United and captained the side during his playing career, knows the club's expectations intimately. After serving as a coach under José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and briefly as caretaker manager in 2021—during which he oversaw a 3-2 win over Arsenal and a Champions League draw with Young Boys—Carrick left Old Trafford to take the reins at Middlesbrough in October 2022. At the Riverside Stadium, he has earned a reputation for developing young talent and implementing a structured yet flexible style of play. His work at Boro has not gone unnoticed, and with the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag's long-term future, Carrick has been linked with a potential return to Manchester United in an assistant or even head coaching capacity.
**Analysis**
The suggestion that Carrick would consider changing the captaincy is significant for several reasons. First, it underscores the persistent unease within the club's hierarchy regarding on-field leadership. Under Ten Hag, United have experienced a turbulent period, punctuated by inconsistent results and off-field distractions. The captaincy is often a barometer of a manager's faith and the club's direction. Fernandes, while undeniably talented, has at times embodied the very volatility United have sought to eliminate. His emotional style can galvanise the team, but it can also lead to unnecessary bookings and a loss of focus in critical moments.
Carrick, by contrast, was known for his calm, intelligent presence on the pitch. He rarely courted controversy and led by example through his positioning and passing. If he were to return to Old Trafford and advocate for a change in captaincy, it would likely signal a shift toward a more measured, composed form of leadership. Candidates such as Lisandro Martínez or Kobbie Mainoo have been mentioned by pundits as possible successors, though no official discussions are known to have taken place.
Second, the timing is critical. Manchester United are navigating a pivotal summer window, with significant decisions looming over player contracts, transfers, and the manager's future. A change in captaincy would be a dramatic move, one that could either unify the squad or deepen divisions. It would also place immense scrutiny on Carrick himself, should he take up a role at the club. His relationship with Fernandes would be tested from the outset, and the Portuguese international's reaction would be closely watched by fans and the media.
Furthermore, the debate over Fernandes' captaincy is not new. Former United players such as Roy Keane and Gary Neville have publicly questioned whether he possesses the temperament for the role. Carrick, having worked alongside both men during his playing days, would be acutely aware of the standards set by previous captains like Keane, Neville, and Bryan Robson. His own experience as a leader in the United dressing room informs his perspective, and any decision he makes would be grounded in a deep understanding of the club's culture.
**Sources**
The information regarding Carrick's considerations has been drawn from reports published by The Athletic, Sky Sports, and the Manchester Evening News, all of which have cited unnamed sources close to the former midfielder. Additional context on Bruno Fernandes' captaincy and performance has been referenced from BBC Sport and Opta statistics. No direct quotes from Carrick or Fernandes have been used, as no public statements have been made on this matter at the time of writing.