EPL: Rooney tells Carrick to give Fernandes Ferguson-Ronaldo treatment after latest comments

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has urged Michael Carrick to apply a lesson from former manager Sir Alex Ferguson to Bruno Fernandes as the club attempts to restore its standards.

Rooney’s comments followed Fernandes’ reported criticism of Carrick’s tactics after Manchester United suffered a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League.

Speaking via The United Stand, the former England international suggested that Fernandes might benefit from taking a short break to recover physically and mentally after a demanding period.

Rooney recalled how Ferguson occasionally allowed Cristiano Ronaldo time away from football to help the Portuguese forward rest and recharge. He believes a similar approach could benefit Fernandes.

“Fernandes might need the manager to tell him to go on a little holiday because he had a long season and then a long World Cup,” Rooney said.

He added, “I remember Alex Ferguson did that with Cristiano Ronaldo. But he would be recharging his batteries.” Rooney’s comments suggest that managing a player’s workload and recovery could be important as United seek to improve their performances.

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The remarks come ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League match against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday. Carrick and his players will be looking to respond after their Champions League setback and regain momentum in the league.