Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on Bruno Fernandes, declaring that the Portuguese midfielder can no longer be trusted as a captain and should abandon European football for Saudi Arabia.

Scholes directed his anger at Fernandes following comments the 32-year-old made after United's humiliating 4-1 UEFA Champions League defeat to Como last Wednesday. When asked whether interim manager Michael Carrick had made tactical errors, Fernandes deflected responsibility entirely: "That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me."

The remarks provoked a fierce response from Scholes on his podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Football, which he co-hosts with fellow United legend Nicky Butt.

"What Bruno Fernandes said last week, I think that's unforgivable. How can Bruno Fernandes be trusted to be captain of any team he ever goes to now? I think he probably needs to get away from European football and just go to Saudi, just get out the way. I don't think any manager, any member of staff can trust him after that."

Dropped to the bench

Carrick wasted no time responding — he stripped Fernandes of his starting place for Sunday's 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth. It marked the first occasion in years that Fernandes played no part as an unused substitute.

Butt agreed with his co-host's assessment, adding that Fernandes had put his entire legacy at Old Trafford at serious risk through his public outburst.

Contract uncertainty and transfer speculation

Fernandes is now in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, with United holding an option to extend by 12 months. Reports indicate the club are considering selling him next summer rather than letting the situation drag on. Atletico Madrid have been monitoring his circumstances, while Al-Hilal tabled an offer of £700,000 per week during last summer's transfer window.

Scholes' current position marks a dramatic reversal from his stance last season, when he argued United must retain Fernandes and construct their squad around him.

United in freefall

The broader context at Old Trafford is deeply troubling. United sit 8th in the Premier League and remain without a win in three UEFA Champions League fixtures under Carrick, who stepped in as interim boss after Ruben Amorim's departure earlier this month.