Bruno Fernandes’ Instagram ‘like’ adds to Manchester United tension

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has appeared to send a pointed message about loyalty after liking an Instagram post warning that dedicated people can eventually lose interest when pushed too far.

Fernandes, 32, was an unused substitute as Manchester United suffered a 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford. The decision to leave out the Portugal midfielder came just days after he publicly criticised manager Michael Carrick’s tactics following the 4-1 loss to Como last week.

It was only the sixth time Fernandes had been named among the substitutes for a Premier League match since joining Manchester United in 2020. Carrick’s decision was widely viewed as a significant development in the growing tension between the club captain and his manager, according to The Sun.

The Instagram post liked by Fernandes featured a video of a giant stone figure carrying an enormous boulder on his shoulders. The rock was about to roll down a hill and destroy an entire village, but as the figure tried to contain it, he unintentionally damaged one of the village’s buildings.

The villagers then turned against him and attacked, prompting the figure to release the boulder and allow it to roll through and flatten the village.

Written across the video was the message: “Don’t push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care.”

Its caption added: “Usually, the person who keeps everything together is the person nobody thinks to check on.”

Fernandes’ decision to like the post was interpreted by followers as a deliberate message to Manchester United’s management and supporters. The implication was that he had been carrying the team through his six years at the club and was now being pushed beyond his limits.

Fernandes’ record and Carrick under pressure

Fernandes has been Manchester United’s most prominent player during his time at Old Trafford, scoring 111 goals in 334 appearances. Last season, he was named the Premier League’s player of the year after helping the club finish third.

However, supporters’ frustration boiled over after the defeat by Bournemouth. Fans directed chants at Carrick as he left the pitch, while the players were also met by loud jeers.

Carrick’s position is now reported to be under serious threat, with claims that he could be dismissed. Eddie Howe is among the leading candidates to replace him.

Against that backdrop, Fernandes’ single Instagram “like” has been taken as a sign that the captain is prepared to confront the situation as pressure continues to build at Old Trafford.