Pressure is mounting on Michael Carrick as the Manchester United manager endures a seven-game winless run, leaving the Red Devils languishing in 13th place in the Premier League.

United's latest setback came against Cesc Fabregas' Como in the Champions League, where they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat after conceding four goals. While Carrick has maintained a calm and composed demeanour throughout his tenure, significant changes are needed if United are to salvage their season.

Following Lisandro Martinez's recent comments calling for greater action behind the scenes and Bruno Fernandes' concerns over Carrick's tactics, supporters are increasingly looking to the 45-year-old head coach for answers as frustration continues to grow.

Carrick's next test comes against Marco Rose's AFC Bournemouth, with the Cherries travelling to Old Trafford on Sunday looking to extend their winning streak to four consecutive games and pile further pressure on the United boss.

It was not only Martínez who came out with a controversial interview in recent weeks as Bruno Fernandes also decided to spark debate following defeat to Como last week.

The Portuguese midfielder essentially called out Carrick and his coaching team for their tactical approach to the game, specifically in terms of the press.

Despite this, it has been revealed that Fernandes will not be punished for his words. Martínez apologised on social media for his own outburst and was fined by the club.

Following on from these comments, Alan Shearer has slammed both Fernandes and Martínez and stated that the need to take more responsibility for the situation they find themselves in.

Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: "Bruno Fernandes criticised Carrick after the defeat to Como, a week after Lisandro Martinez slammed Manchester United's directors following defeat to Atletico Madrid. Any chance of you doing your job, lads, as players? Because I didn't see too much effort, commitment or running from Bruno at Como. 

"Wherever you go, at all clubs, there's player power. That's the game that we're in now, whether you like it or not, but players have to take responsibility. When a captain comes out and criticises the manager, it puts more pressure on the football club. You can't be coming out and saying that against your manager, dropping him and his staff in it when you've have had a really poor game and season. 

"Bruno was player of the year last year. We haven't seen any of that quality from him this season. It's all right him coming out and criticising the manager but is there any chance of him playing well this season? Same goes for Martínez. 

It would have been far better for Bruno to come out and say, 'We're hopeless as a team, and I, as captain, accept responsibility for that,' rather than trying to blame everything on his manager, especially when he's been that poor himself. I mean, the manager took him off and he probably had the hump for that."

Fernandes is one of the most popular and well-liked players at United over the last decade but his comments have led to criticism from fans and pundits alike.

It is a complex situation, and one that we probably don't know everything about. Many supporters believe that Fernandes was given false promises by the board after dragging the team to third last term.

There is an obvious lack of ambition by those in charge at Old Trafford and it does seem like Fernandes is unhappy. On the other hand, he is still representing the club and needs to improve his form regardless.

Carrick has tried to play Fernandes into form but should also consider taking the captain out of the side in some games. It was revealed that the midfielder had been playing with an injury recently.

People are clearly unhappy with Fernandes but, as always, the way to change that is by performing on the pitch and he will be hoping to do that.