Manchester United has struggled in the early stages of the 2026-2027 Premier League season, managing just one win in their first five matches. The team beat newly-promoted Ipswich Town, but lost to Hull City and a 10-man Manchester City, and drew with Everton and Fulham. They also suffered a 3-2 defeat to Brighton in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford, despite scoring the first two goals of the match. The results have raised concerns about the team's form and consistency. The defense has been a major point of criticism, but the team's captain, Bruno Fernandes, has also faced scrutiny. The 32-year-old midfielder has scored three goals in the league this season, all in the 5-2 win over Ipswich. He has also provided one assist, both of which came in that same match. Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley, who played for the club before moving to Sunderland in 2008, expressed concern over Fernandes' performance, noting that he appears "a bit flat." Bardsley, a former youth product of Manchester United, acknowledged Fernandes' importance to the team over the past few seasons. He suggested that without Fernandes, the team might be in a "completely different position" and urged the midfielder to regain his "spark." Bardsley also criticized the team's overall performance, calling the opening game against Hull "alarming." He pointed out defensive problems, stating that the team was "at twos and threes" and that players were not performing up to expectations when given opportunities. He highlighted the game against Everton as an example, where Manchester United went ahead twice but failed to win the match. Bardsley also criticized the current manager, Michael Carrick, suggesting that the team needs to be more aggressive and demanding of each other. He emphasized the need for strong leadership and accountability, noting a lack of pressure on players when they make mistakes or underperform.