Bruno Fernandes Likes Cryptic Post on Loyalty in Apparent Swipe at Michael Carrick

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has raised eyebrows on social media after liking a cryptic Instagram video about loyalty and reaching a breaking point when devoted individuals are taken for granted.

The Portuguese midfielder was an unused substitute during the Red Devils' dismal 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Manager Michael Carrick made the bold call to drop his skipper after Fernandes publicly questioned his tactical approach following last week's 4-1 thrashing by Como.

This marked just the sixth time the 32-year-old playmaker has been named on the bench for a Premier League fixture since joining the club in 2020.

Many fans and pundits viewed Fernandes' social media activity as a direct nod to the current turmoil. The animated clip portrays a giant stone figure holding back a massive falling boulder to protect a village. While struggling under the weight, the giant accidentally crushes a single building, turning the ungrateful villagers against him in fury. In response, the figure steps aside, allowing the boulder to crush the entire village.

The video was accompanied by the caption: "Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care," while the post read: "The person holding everything together is usually the one no one asks if they are okay."

Fernandes has been an indispensable talisman for Manchester United throughout the majority of his six years at Old Trafford, registering 111 goals in 334 appearances and claiming the PFA Player of the Year award last season as United secured a third-place finish.

At full-time against Bournemouth, the home crowd made their stance clear, applauding Carrick while heavily booing the players. Nonetheless, the manager's position remains under intense scrutiny with the threat of dismissal looming, as Eddie Howe emerges among the contenders tipped to replace him.