Manchester United have omitted midfielder Bruno Fernandes from the squad that travelled to Old Trafford for the Premier League clash with Bournemouth, a decision that follows the Portuguese international’s recent public criticism of head coach Michael Carrick. Fernandes was listed on the bench for the match, but did not make the starting XI, with centre‑back Harry Maguire taking the armband in his absence.
The controversy began after United’s 4‑1 defeat to Como in the Europa Conference League, where Carrick instructed the team not to press the opposition. Fernandes expressed his disappointment with the tactic, suggesting the lack of pressure had cost them the game. Carrick responded sharply, telling Sky Sports that “if you don’t run, and you don’t run forward, and you don’t run back, you aren’t going to win.” The coach later defended his selection as “pure football,” adding that the choice was “always a difficult decision” and that he had to act in what he believed was best for the club’s performance.
Carrick also confirmed that Lisandro Martínez was not fit enough to start, citing injury concerns. When asked on a news conference whether he would consider dropping Fernandes for the Bournemouth game, Carrick declined to answer directly and reiterated that he would “do what’s best for the football club.” The decision comes after Martínez himself faced a similar situation earlier in the season when he publicly criticised director of football Jason Wilcox and the board. Martínez issued an apology, was fined, but was still selected for the next match against Leeds United before being substituted at half‑time with an injury.
The move signals a tightening of discipline within the United camp, as the club seeks to curb public dissent from its players. With the team still searching for consistency, the coaching staff’s focus remains on maintaining a cohesive unit on the pitch. The upcoming match against Bournemouth will test whether the squad can rally around the new leadership structure and deliver the results required to climb the league table.