Manchester United omits Bruno Fernandes for Bournemouth match after coach criticism

Manchester United announced that Bruno Fernandes will not be in the matchday squad for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth after the Portuguese midfielder publicly questioned head coach Michael Carrick’s tactical instructions. Fernandes had been on the bench for the previous game, a 4-1 loss to Como, where he expressed disappointment with the directive not to press the opposition.

Carrick responded to the comments, stating that a lack of movement in any direction would hinder the team’s chances of winning. He later told Sky Sports that the decision to name Fernandes on the bench was "pure football" and emphasized that squad selections are made to achieve the desired performance.

Harry Maguire will serve as captain in Fernandes’ absence. Carrick also confirmed that defender Lisandro Martínez was not fit enough to start the match. When asked whether he might drop Fernandes for the Bournemouth game, Carrick declined to comment, saying he will "do what's best for the football club."

Martínez faced a similar situation after criticizing director of football Jason Wilcox and the club’s board; he apologized, was fined, but was selected for the subsequent match against Leeds United, where he was substituted at halftime due to injury.