Bruno Fernandes has been dropped from the Manchester United starting lineup for the first time in almost five years. Manager Michael Carrick made the bold decision after the club captain publicly questioned the team's tactics following a heavy Champions League defeat.
The 31-year-old midfielder was left on the bench for the Premier League clash with Bournemouth at Old Trafford. This marks the first time Fernandes has been omitted for non-fitness reasons since a substitution against Villarreal in November 2021. He had started all 10 of United's Premier League and Champions League matches this season.
Carrick's move comes amid a severe slump, with the team winless in their last seven games across all competitions. The most recent was a 4-1 loss to Como in Europe, a result that prompted Fernandes's critical comments. United's league position reflects the crisis, as they sit 15th with just seven points from seven matches.
United's deepening crisis
The decision to bench the captain shows the pressure at Old Trafford. United's form reads three draws and two losses from their last five outings, leaving them 14 points adrift of leaders Manchester City. Their goal difference stands at zero, having scored and conceded 10 times.
Carrick addressed the situation after the Como defeat, placing the collective above any individual. "The most important thing for me is the team, first and foremost," the manager said. "I'll always do what's best for the football club."
Fernandes arrived at the ground on Sunday looking downcast. His influence has waned recently, with no goals or assists in his last seven appearances for the club. Bryan Mbeumo is currently United's top scorer with four goals.
The visit of Bournemouth represents a critical chance to stop the slide. The Cherries are 17th and have also struggled, winning just once in seven. United thrashed them 4-1 in their last meeting in July 2025, but the current context is vastly different. Carrick is expected to start with a midfield trio of Mason Mount, Scott McTominay, and Christian Eriksen in Fernandes's absence.
Carrick's team selection against a direct rival will be scrutinised as United seek a vital three points to climb away from the bottom half of the standings. The match kicks off at Old Trafford on Sunday, 25 October. Reports from within the club suggest the decision was not taken lightly, with Carrick informing Fernandes of his omission in a private meeting at the Carrington training ground on Saturday morning.
The report in full is at Daily Mail Sport
