Fernandes Keeps United Armband as Rooney Calls Squad "Babies"

Bruno Fernandes will stay as Manchester United captain and will not face any disciplinary action for his public criticism of Michael Carrick after the 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como. The club has decided the armband stays with the Portugal midfielder, closing off the question of whether his comments would cost him the role.

The result was a heavy setback in the competition, and the post-match remarks drew attention because they were aimed at a figure as senior as Carrick. Keeping Fernandes in place signals that the club is prepared to back its captain through a difficult stretch rather than respond to an outspoken moment with a sanction.

The story has also picked up a sharper edge through Rooney, who has been reported as calling the current United players "babies". That remark is likely to keep attention on the group's mentality and on how the squad responds to criticism from inside and outside the club.