Manchester United bench captain Bruno Fernandes for Bournemouth match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has left captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench for the upcoming Premier League game against Bournemouth, citing a footballing decision after the midfielder criticised the manager following a Champions League loss.
Manchester United will start Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth without captain Bruno Fernandes in the lineup. The Portugal midfielder was omitted after publicly blaming manager Michael Carring for the team’s tactics in a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.
Carrick told Sky Sports that the change was "a football decision" and explained, "> When you have options it's always a difficult decision. We have to make the right one for today and the team to get that performance we want."
Harry Maguire will assume the captain’s armband, while Mason Mount and Youri Tielemans are expected to share playmaking duties. This marks the sixth Premier League match in which Fernandes has been left on the bench; the previous two occasions at the end of the 2024-25 season were to preserve his fitness for Europa League fixtures.
United have struggled recently, failing to win in seven consecutive matches across all competitions. The club’s recent record without Fernandes in the starting XI stands at one win, three draws and six losses.
Other squad changes include Matheus Cunha, who remains on the bench after being substituted at half-time in Italy, and Lisandro Martínez, who missed the Como game due to injury. Carrick referenced the Como loss in his pre-match notes, stating that the club’s standards demand a stronger performance and urging the team to unite and improve for the supporters.
Football analysts and former players commented on the decision. European football expert Julien Laurens described the situation as "embarrassing" and suggested that disciplinary limits were needed for senior players. Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison called the move "the right call" but warned that the manager could face criticism if results do not improve. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said Fernandes is United’s best player but noted that his attitude can cause friction within the squad. Public reactions on social media ranged from support for Carrick’s authority to criticism of Fernandes’ conduct.