Fernandes left on Man Utd bench after Carrick criticism

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been left out of the starting line-up for Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth, days after publicly criticising manager Michael Carrick following United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como.

Carrick called the selection “a football decision” when asked about it before kick-off. He said choosing between available players was difficult and that he wanted the team to deliver the performance United needed. Harry Maguire captains the side, while Mason Mount and Youri Tielemans take on playmaking roles.

Fernandes had blamed Carrick for United’s tactics against Como and for failing to change them. On Friday, Carrick had declined to say whether the midfielder would be dropped. United went into Sunday’s match seeking to end a seven-game winless run in all competitions.

It is only the sixth time Fernandes has been named among the substitutes for a Premier League game. The previous two occasions, at the end of the 2024-25 season, were intended to keep him fresh for important Europa League matches. United have won one of their past 10 league games without him in the starting XI, drawing three and losing six.

Matheus Cunha and Lisandro Martínez are also on the bench. Carrick said Martínez was “not quite” fit enough after the defender returned to the starting line-up against Leeds last week and missed the Como game through injury.

The decision drew differing views from pundits. Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison said he thought it was the right call, while warning that Carrick would face criticism if United lost after dropping their captain and best player. Jamie Carragher, speaking to Sky Sports, said Carrick “had to make the stand”. Football expert Julien Laurens argued the move was only a partial sanction and that Fernandes should not have been included on the bench.

In his programme notes, Carrick called the Como performance “extremely disappointing” and said the team had to do better. He urged the players to stick together and deliver a performance worthy of the supporters.