Defeat at Nottingham Forest has set alarm bells ringing for Manchester United once again. Following a promising run of form during the international break, the Red Devils returned to their campaign with a third consecutive Premier League loss against Nuno Espirito Santo's team on Tuesday. The performance was a stark reminder of the issues that have plagued United fans in recent years: a porous defence, lack of conviction in attack, and a tedious amount of avoidable errors. Bruno Fernandes ' altercation with Forest captain Ryan Yates and the ensuing controversy is an example of the kind of drama United's captain would rather do without. Persistent rumours linking Fernandes with an exit from Old Trafford aren't helping the situation, especially with big clubs reportedly circling. And MEN (via The Mirror ) takes a closer look at the playmaker's current predicament as his struggles at United continue, with a former coach at the club predicting a bright future for him at the Bernabeu. On a night when everything seemed to go right for Forest, Yates perhaps best encapsulated the notion that one creates their own luck. The skipper finished up with two fouls to his name - though one could easily argue other deserving challenges went unpunished - and assisted Anthony Elanga's breakaway winner. Yates man-marked Fernandes with aplomb as he kept the playmaker quiet, doing as he has to numerous elite midfielders this season. And nowhere else was that more effective than when he responded to Fernandes' flicked hand by rolling on the floor in scenes many were felt somewhat embarrassing. Referee Jarred Gillett appeared to arrive at the conclusion Yates was indeed exaggerating any contact. But it was the latest sign yet of Fernandes' frayed mindset, giving the opposition precisely what they want when cooler heads were needed. United - who could fall as far as 15th this week - have recruited hard men in the past, tempestuous stars who play on the edge. But that aggression has traditionally been partnered with a certain arrogance, knowing full well they were the 'big team' regardless of the opposition. The dynamic at United has certainly shifted, with recent attempts to dazzle borne of a need to break free from mediocrity. In such challenging times, players often look to their captain for guidance, yet Fernandes' increasingly frequent loss of composure may hint at a deeper issue. The strength of one's loyalty is truly tested in the face of adversity, and Fernandes has admirably demonstrated his commitment to United thus far. However, it would be naive to think such ties are unbreakable. To be fair, the ex-Sporting CP star has remained loyal to managers Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag , never hinting at any desire to depart in public. Following last term's FA Cup triumph, he put pen to paper on a new deal with Old Trafford until 2027, signalling his dedication to the club's future. "Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United," he expressed last summer. "I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club. "I have had so many special moments here already: hearing my name sung from the Stretford End, scoring a hat-trick against Leeds, leading the team out at Old Trafford on European nights and lifting trophies at Wembley. But I wouldn't have signed this contract if I didn't believe that my best moments in a United shirt are still to come." With two years left on his contract, United have some time to cement the future of their talisman. But after a challenging campaign, there are bound to be concerns the patience underpinning Fernandes' loyalty could wane. If there's one player who has maintained a reputation despite United's woes in recent years, Fernandes is that man. And as transfer speculation swirls, it's Real Madrid who seem most inclined to make a move, with a bumper bid of £90million rumoured to be on the cards. Former United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has touted Fernandes as a potential game-changer for the Spanish giants. And with the means to make the move reality, Real should be considered a major threat on the 30-year-old's signature. "I think people sometimes question the way Bruno Fernandes likes to get his feelings across," he told Poker Firma. "But one thing for me is certain - he's an absolute winner. He plays all the games, he's never injured, and he's very committed to Manchester United and wants the best for the club. "Every footballer has ambitions. I'm sure he wants to win trophies for Man United, but if a team like Real Madrid were to come knocking for him in the summer, he would fit like a glove there. "Luka Modric is turning 40 soon and Madrid need someone in midfield with that kind of passing range who can supply Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. With Bruno Fernandes' passing range, Real Madrid would be unbelievable, and their forward line would become even better!"