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Fernandes backs Carrick as United face Bournemouth after defeat

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 10:58 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Carrick Under Pressure

Michael Carrick faces mounting pressure ahead of United’s Sunday Premier League match with Bournemouth.
United lost 4-1 to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday and remain 20th with three points.
Captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned Carrick’s tactics after the Como defeat and demanded more bravery.
Carrick said he will not drop Fernandes or strip his captaincy and denied any dressing-room division.

Summary

United List Absences

Ayden Heaven returns to the squad after missing two matches due to illness.
United announce absences for Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martínez, Marcus Rashford, Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw, Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte.
Martínez’s thigh problem began in the first half of last Sunday’s draw with Leeds United.
Rashford has been carrying a hip injury since the World Cup.

History

Historical Context

After Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013, David Moyes took over United on 1 July 2013 but guided the club to a seventh-place finish—their lowest since 1990—and missed European qualification for the first time since 1989-90. He was sacked on 22 April 2014, Ryan Giggs served as interim, and Louis van Gaal was hired, a pattern of instability echoed in today’s criticism of interim coach Michael Carrick.

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Carrick Under Pressure

Michael Carrick faces mounting pressure ahead of United’s Sunday Premier League match with Bournemouth.
United lost 4-1 to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday and remain 20th with three points.
Captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned Carrick’s tactics after the Como defeat and demanded more bravery.
Carrick said he will not drop Fernandes or strip his captaincy and denied any dressing-room division.

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