Paul Scholes Would Get Rid of Man Utd Duo Fernandes and Martinez Tomorrow

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick could be on the brink of losing his job, but Red Devils legend Paul Scholes wants to see two more key figures leave the club too.

No wins in eight and two wins in 12 matches in all competitions this season have left Carrick teetering on the edge of being sacked, as Man United chiefs consider their options this week.

It is a surprise to some that he hasn’t gone already in the wake of the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, which suggested he has lost the Old Trafford dressing room.

Bruno Fernandes was dropped to the substitutes’ bench following his outburst about Carrick’s tactics in the aftermath of Wednesday night’s 4-1 defeat to Como, and he failed to play a single minute against the Cherries.

It was probably the right decision from Carrick’s side, but it failed to pay off in another poor performance by the hosts, with their displays this season chalk and cheese when compared to last term when he was in interim charge.

United lie in 16th position in the Premier League table ahead of the trip to Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea this weekend, and it remains to be seen who will be in the dugout for them at Stamford Bridge.

Carrick may well gone by then, with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann two of the frontrunners to replace the 45-year-old, with both having their admirers on the United board, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.

Both are free agents, along with another manager who is appreciated by some at the club in Antonio Conte, who left Napoli in the summer.

It would be fair to say that United have issues beyond just the manager though, as shown by the public criticism that emerged from both Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez this month.

The actions of the experienced duo clearly haven’t impressed Scholes, who spoke about the pair in a conversation with host Paddy McGuinness on the latest episode of the Good, the Bad & the Football podcast.

McGuinness said: “Looking at that team, that [United] squad. How many of that squad, if you could, would you get rid of tomorrow? Where you go, they are clearly poisonous.”

Scholes replied: “Well, from what Bruno Fernandes did last week, I think that was unforgivable. So Bruno’s one.

Martinez and Fernandes Could be Gone Before Next Season

REUTERS/Chris Radburn

Of course, things can change under a different manager, but as things stand it’s difficult to see either player being at Old Trafford next season.

Martinez’s contract at United expires at the end of the season, although the club does have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

They may choose to do that anyway to maximise the Argentina international’s value, but it also looks likely that the Red Devils will finally overhaul their defence in the summer transfer window.

Key Events Timeline

• January 2020 — Joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in a deal worth up to €80m.
• April 2022 — Signed a contract extension tying him to Old Trafford until 2026.
• July 2023 — Named United club captain, replacing Harry Maguire under Erik ten Hag.
• June 2025 — Rejected Al-Hilal’s huge offer after talks with Ruben Amorim.
• May 2026 — Won a record fifth Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award.

That would instantly raise doubts over Martinez’s long-term future in a red shirt, especially at a time when he publicly criticised Jason Wilcox following the defeat to Como last week.

United are in exactly the same contract boat with their skipper, and again they may decide to trigger the option they have regardless of what could happen in 2027.

Just months after being named the PFA Players’ Player of the Season after breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a season, the Portugal international has been a shadow of that player this season.

All of his goal contributions have come in their two wins against Ipswich Town and Sabah, and he needs to show a lot more if he is to prolong his United career, especially after he appeared to be punished by Carrick on Sunday.

To call them ‘poisonous’ might be harsh, but you can understand why Scholes wouldn’t want either player in the dressing room much longer, for a club that is massively struggling.