Paul Parker has urged Manchester United manager Michael Carrick to drop Bruno Fernandes after criticising the midfielder’s start to the season.
United have won only two of their nine matches in all competitions, and Parker believes Fernandes has not contributed enough as the club struggles for consistency.
The former Manchester United defender said Carrick may need to make a bold decision before this weekend’s visit to Leeds United, despite Fernandes’ status as one of the team’s most established players.
Paul Parker calls for Bruno Fernandes to be left out
Fernandes enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season, setting a Premier League record by providing 21 assists. Parker nevertheless believes his current form warrants a spell out of the side.
“They haven’t got someone who’s leading, Fernandes just doesn’t do enough and he’s had a poor season,” Parker told the Metro.
He added: “He just hasn’t been there when it’s needed, and it’s costing United now, and I think a strong manager, a manager who wants to make a mark and is willing to be brave, is going to make that decision.”
Parker also criticised Fernandes’ conduct on the pitch, claiming the Portugal international becomes frustrated too easily and directs that frustration towards his team-mates.
“He gets frustrated too easily, and he takes it out on his teammates, and at the moment, you need everything together. So, I would leave out Fernandes and try to get as many legs on that pitch as possible,” he said.
Parker reiterated his view that Fernandes has not done enough to justify retaining his place, leaving Carrick with a significant selection decision ahead of the Leeds fixture.
