Bruno Fernandes sends United summer ultimatum as multiple clubs circle, INEOS cannot afford to get this decision wrong – report

Michael Carrick has transformed Manchester United’s fortunes on the pitch, thanks to a few intelligent tactical tweaks. Former head coach Ruben Amorim’s disastrous 18-month tenure saw the Red Devils deviate from the club’s DNA while playing quite a few players out of position for the sake of his system. But not the caretaker head coach. He has returned players to their natural positions, and that has paid major dividends, just ask Bruno Fernandes. The club captain was playing in a deeper role under the Portuguese tactician, which severely affected his ability to make things happen in the final third of the pitch. Bruno Fernandes resurgence under Carrick Restored to his favoured attacking midfield position, the Portugal international has accrued a goal involvement in all but one game and has looked far more dangerous. The 20-time English league champions are unbeaten in five games and are playing an attractive brand of football under Carrick while allowing players the freedom to express themselves. Which explains why the 31-year-old is delighted with the former midfielder and as per TopSkills UK, he wants INEOS to hand Carrick the permanent job come the summer. In fact, should the co-owners pick a different permanent head coach, the talisman will leave Old Trafford with Bayern Munich waiting to pounce. Sends INEOS ultimatum “Bruno Fernandes has told Manchester United he will 100% LEAVE the club if Michael Carrick is replaced. The Portuguese star has made his position crystal clear to the board. 🚨💣 EXCL: Bruno Fernandes has told Manchester United he will 100% LEAVE the club if Michael Carrick is replaced. 🔴🇵🇹😳 The Portuguese star has made his position crystal clear to the board. Bayern Munich remains the clear favorite to sign him, with Vincent Kompany fully… pic.twitter.com/7J5YvYsV9E — Topskills Sports UK (@topskillsportuk) February 16, 2026 “Bayern Munich remains the clear favorite to sign him, with Vincent Kompany fully backing the potential transfer. “The dressing room is overwhelmingly behind Carrick — the vast majority of players want the current interim boss to stay long-term.” INEOS have got both managerial decisions wrong. They opted to keep Erik ten Hag when all the signs pointed towards an exit. They subsequently fired him after a few months, only to appoint Amorim, who played in a very different manner. They opted to back him heavily when pulling the plug seemed like the logical thing to do. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. cannot afford to get this decision wrong. The fate of several key players depends on it. Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25