Fernandes to stay captain as Rooney calls Man Utd players babies

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.

The United skipper criticised Carrick's tactics for the game, then said it was up to the United head coach and his backroom team, not the players, to spot any issues and change them.

It was seen by many externally as a challenge to Carrick's authority, just eight days after United defender Lisandro Martinez criticised director of football Jason Wilcox and the club's summer recruitment.

Inside Old Trafford, there is sympathy for Fernandes for the position he found himself in.

The Portugal midfielder did 10 post-match interviews in Como, despite being replaced by Joshua Zirkzee midway through the second half.

While there is disappointment at some of his comments, it is acknowledged Fernandes' annoyance was understandable given the manner of the loss, which was one of the worst in United's European history.

It remains to be seen whether Fernandes will be picked for Sunday's Premier League encounter with Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Carrick will be asked about the situation when he holds his pre-game news conference at 13:30 BST on Friday.