Bruno Fernandes benched by Carrick vs Bournemouth as Man United tensions grow

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been dropped to the bench for the Bournemouth clash after criticising the team's tactics following their 4-1 defeat to Como. Michael Carrick's decision comes as United seek to revive their struggling Premier League campaign.Michael Carrick dropped Bruno Fernandes to the bench for the Bournemouth clash. (Image: Reuters)New Delhi,Oct 25, 2026 18:45 ISTManchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been dropped to the bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth after publicly criticising the team's tactics following their 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League. Manager Michael Carrick had refused to rule out disciplinary action after the midfielder questioned the team's approach, with Fernandes now named among the substitutes at Old Trafford.The Portugal international had voiced his frustration after United's defeat on Wednesday, arguing that the team's decision to sit back and avoid pressing aggressively had allowed Como to grow in confidence. His comments raised questions over the relationship between the captain and the coaching staff ahead of a crucial league fixture."The coaching staff decided not to press man-to-man, but instead to sit back and look to win the ball; the problem, however, is that you give teams like that confidence when you allow them that space," Fernandes told TNT Sports.He added that teams sometimes needed to be "braver" under pressure and take risks by pressing higher up the pitch. Carrick was asked about Fernandes' remarks during his pre-match press conference on Friday but declined to rule out disciplinary action. The decision to leave the captain out of the starting XI adds another layer of scrutiny to United's preparations for the Bournemouth encounter.UNITED UNDER PRESSUREUnited head into the match needing a response after a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign. They began the day 15th in the standings, having recorded just one win in their opening seven league matches. The pressure is mounting on Carrick to find a winning formula, with United struggling to deliver consistent results. The Bournemouth fixture presents an opportunity to arrest that slide, but Fernandes' absence from the starting line-up is likely to be a major talking point.The midfielder has been one of United's most influential creative players since Carrick took charge in January. Fernandes has registered 14 assists and created 96 chances during that period, more than any other player in Europe's big-five leagues.His numbers underline the importance of his contribution to United's attacking play, making the decision to start without him a significant selection call. Fernandes remains available from the bench should Carrick choose to introduce him during the match.CARRICK FACES KEY TESTThe decision comes at a difficult moment for United, who must balance the need for results with questions surrounding their tactical approach and dressing-room dynamics. Fernandes' public comments have brought those concerns into sharper focus, particularly given his position as captain.Carrick will hope his starting XI can deliver a performance that shifts attention back to the pitch. However, the handling of Fernandes' criticism and the decision to leave him out will remain under scrutiny as United attempt to get their league campaign back on track.With the team struggling for results and their captain starting among the substitutes, Sunday's clash against Bournemouth represents an important test for Carrick and Manchester United.Manchester United XI vs BournemouthStarting XI: Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Leny Yoro; Amad Diallo, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans; Bryan Mbeumo, Carlos Baleba, Ayden Heaven.Substitutes: Tom Heaton, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Bruno Fernandes, Tyler Fletcher, Matheus Cunha, Shea Lacey, Joshua Zirkzee.(more to follow)- Ends