{
  "id": 16114260,
  "title": "Fernandes to stay captain as Rooney calls Man Utd players babies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/fernandes-to-stay-captain-as-rooney-calls-man-utd-players-babies",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T21:42:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/fernandes-to-stay-captain-as-rooney-calls-man-utd-players-babies/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Manchester United's captain Bruno Fernandes will not be disciplined for his post-match criticism of team-mate Michael Carrick following United's 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como. Fernandes, who criticized Carrick's tactics during the game, stated that it was the coach and backroom staff, not the players, who should address any issues or make changes. The criticism has been seen by many as a challenge to Carrick's authority, especially after recent comments from defender Lisandro Martinez criticizing director of football Jason Wilcox and the summer recruitment.\n\nInside Old Trafford, there is sympathy for Fernandes, who gave 10 post-match interviews despite being substituted midway through the second half. While there is disappointment at some of his comments, it is acknowledged that his annoyance was understandable given the poor result, one of the worst in United's European history.\n\nFormer Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney expressed shock and disbelief at United's performance against Como, describing himself as \"worried as I've been for a long time\" about the situation at Old Trafford. Rooney, who called the players \"selfish\" and \"like babies,\" stated that it is crucial for the players to take responsibility for their performance on the pitch and as a team. He also urged the Manchester United board to provide clarity on Carrick's future, suggesting that the manager should \"come out fighting.\"",
  "summary": "Bruno Fernandes will remain as Manchester United captain and will not be disciplined for his post-match criticism of Michael Carrick after the 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Rooney labels Man Utd players ‘selfish’ after Fernandes criticism",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/rooney-labels-man-utd-players-selfish-after-fernandes-criticism",
        "published": "2026-10-22T21:38:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}