Manchester United legend Gary Neville has accused Bruno Fernandes of throwing manager Michael Carrick under the bus with his controversial post-match comments following the defeat to Como.

A reaction was expected after the humbling against Como but United plunged to another low with a disastrous 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.

Carrick made the bold decision to drop Fernandes to the bench and refused to introduce his captain, even as United desperately needed creativity to turn the game around.

Neville believes United’s supporters were right to stand firmly behind Carrick rather than demand the introduction of their captain during the Bournemouth defeat.

He said (via Sky Sports): “He has thrown his manager under the bus. The fans were not crying out for Bruno to come on 20 minutes ago when Shea Lacey came on.

“They were singing his name. Those fans when they want someone on the pitch, they tell you, whether you are Sir Alex Ferguson or Michael Carrick or Ralf Ragnick.

“They weren’t singing for Bruno to come on today. They are backing Michael Carrick, so get in your box. Bruno let himself down this week. He basically stuck the knife into his manager.”

Michael Carrick was right to punish Bruno Fernandes

United are not a better team without Fernandes. The 32-year-old is not a problem at the club but has been their saviour for over half-a-decade now.

He was the best player in the Premier League last season and has been the standout player for the Red Devils since he joined in 2020.

However, his remarkable contribution does not give him the right to publicly undermine Carrick and the coaching staff, particularly after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to a Como side that was competing in Serie B just two years ago.

Fernandes is entitled to disagree with his manager, but those concerns should have been addressed behind closed doors rather than aired publicly in a way that risks undermining the man in charge.

The Portuguese midfielder is clearly frustrated after another difficult campaign at United, with the prospect of ending yet another season without silverware seemingly weighing heavily on him.

Instead of allowing that frustration to spill over into public criticism, Fernandes should have channelled it into inspiring his teammates to produce better performances and secure more victories, just as he did last season.

Carrick is now expected to be relieved of his managerial duties, with INEOS likely to make a decision soon.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United extended their winless run to eight matches following a 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford yesterday.

Manager Michael Carrick made four changes to the starting XI against the Cherries, and captain Bruno Fernandes was surprisingly dropped for tactical reasons.

Youri Tielemans operated as the attacking midfielder, but the Belgian ace had a dismal opening half before he was replaced by Matheus Cunha at the break.

Tielemans, signed for £35 million from Aston Villa last summer, has been ever-present in the Red Devils starting line-up despite an inconsistent run of form.

He had his best showing against Leeds United with two fantastic crosses leading to big chances. Bryan Mbeumo capitalised on one of those to open the scoring.

However, this was followed by another subpar performance at Como. Tielemans likewise struggled against Bournemouth, failing to cope with the intense press.

The 29-year-old’s limited mobility has been a cause for concern, and he barely provided an attacking outlet during the opening half, struggling to win regular duels.

Overall, Tielemans lost nine out of 12 duels contested in just 45 minutes. He was also guilty of losing possession 10 times and registered just 14 passes before his substitution.

It was a miserable afternoon for the former Villa star. We believe he must be dropped from the starting XI when the Red Devils take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

After his lacklustre showing, it makes sense for captain Bruno Fernandes to be reinstated in the number 10 role, having been an unused substitute against the Cherries.

Manager Michael Carrick faces the possibility of being sacked in the coming hours. Regardless of who is in charge, Tielemans should make way from the XI this weekend.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.

Goals from Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson secured a historic win for the Cherries on the famous turf.

However, one of the biggest talking points emerged before kick-off, when head coach Michael Carrick made the bold decision to drop club captain Bruno Fernandes to the bench.

The Portuguese midfielder remained among the substitutes throughout the contest and was never even sent out to warm up.

Former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes Carrick deliberately left Fernandes on the bench to humiliate him.

He said (via Sky Sports): “I don’t think he was ever going to bring him on. It was a deliberate decision to leave him on the bench to try and almost embarrass him.”

When Bournemouth capitalised on Leny Yoro’s costly mistake to double their lead before half-time, many expected Fernandes to be introduced at the start of the second half in a desperate attempt to spark a comeback.

However, Carrick had other plans, replacing Youri Tielemans with Matheus Cunha and deploying the Brazilian in the number 10 role instead.

Even after Bournemouth made it 3-0, Fernandes remained on the bench, despite being one of the few players who might have offered United a spark of creativity and a glimmer of hope.

Instead, Carrick turned to Joshua Zirkzee before handing Shea Lacey an opportunity with just 12 minutes remaining.

Fernandes could potentially have made a difference, but Carrick appeared determined to send a firm message to the rest of the dressing room by refusing to turn to his captain.

The 32-year-old publicly questioned the tactics of the coaching staff after Como thrashed them 4-1.

Fernandes has enjoyed strong relationships with his previous managers, making the latest developments particularly intriguing.

However, his post-match comments following the Como defeat have raised questions about whether his relationship with Carrick is beginning to deteriorate.

With United suffering another damaging defeat, Carrick could now be relieved of his managerial duties following the Bournemouth loss.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United Women played out a 1-1 draw with Manchester City in the Women’s Super League at the Progress With Unity Stadium on Sunday evening.

United have now extended their unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions and ended City’s perfect start to the WSL season.

The Cityzens produced the first shot on target when Lauren Hemp stinging Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s palms with a near-post strike.

United immediately responded with a chance of their own as Elisabeth Terland unleashed a shot from the edge of the area, but Ayaka Yamashita was equal to the task.

Aoba Fujino almost put the visitors ahead, lashing a powerful shot that drifted narrowly wide.

Ella Toone, now Man United’s joint-top scorer in the WSL, called Yamashita into action again on the half-hour mark with a curling left-footed shot.

Toone created a big chance in the 39th minute, slipping Andrea Medina through. However, rather than shooting, Medina opted to play a poor pass to Terland, allowing the chance to go begging.

Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find the breakthrough before half-time.

Shortly after the restart, Terland nearly gave Man United the lead after being put through on goal, but Yamshita gathered comfortably.

On the hour mark, Jess Park struck a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area, only for her effort to hit the crossbar.

Khadijah Shaw broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, rifling a shot from the centre of the box and beyond Tullis-Joyce.

A minute from time, Terland salvaged a draw for Eva Olid’s side, slamming the ball into the net and sending the home fans into wild jubilation.

Article written by Henry Thornton .

Manchester United suffered an embarrassing 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

United head coach Michael Carrick made four changes to the side that suffered a 4-0 loss to Como, with club captain Bruno Fernandes notably dropped to the bench for the first time.

After a dismal opening half-hour, Bournemouth finally broke the deadlock through Rayan, leaving the hosts with an uphill battle to turn the contest around.

The Cherries doubled their advantage when Leny Yoro slipped inside the penalty area, allowing Marcus Tavernier to capitalise and put the visitors firmly in control.

Carrick introduced Matheus Cunha at the start of the second half in a bid to spark a response, but United showed little sign of improvement as their performance continued to disappoint.

Another costly defensive error from the hosts proved the final nail in the coffin, allowing Bournemouth to add a third goal and seal a miserable evening for the Red Devils.

Despite the embarrassing defeat, sections of the Old Trafford crowd chanted Carrick’s name at full-time, showing their affection for the club legend even as serious questions loom over his future and the possibility of his dismissal.

Player Ratings

Senne Lammens – 3/10

Rushed off his line but lost the foot race to Evanilson, leaving the goal completely exposed and allowing Bournemouth to score their third.

Leny Yoro – 3/10

Produced a crucial, goal-saving interception in the eighth minute to keep United level. However, his unfortunate slip inside the penalty area proved costly, allowing Bournemouth to double their lead.

Harry Maguire – 3/10

The defence looked completely lost, and Maguire failed to provide the leadership it desperately needed. As the captain and most experienced defender on the pitch, he should have done far more to prevent the opening goal.

Ayden Heaven – 2/10

Went in with a two-footed slide to win the ball back, earning a yellow card and conceding the free-kick from which Rayan opened the scoring.

Struggled to cope with the pressure and was the first United player to be substituted.

Diogo Dalot – 2/10

Quite often the spare man on the left and has several opportunities to create chances. However, he disappointed every time he advanced forward.

Andrey Santos – 4/10

Showed some fight and aggression in midfield, but it is hardly a good look for a defensive midfielder when his team concedes seven goals across two games in the space of four days.

Carlos Baleba – 3/10

Still appears to be searching for his rhythm, blowing hot and cold rather than delivering the consistency United desperately need. Carrick may be running out of time to get the best out of him.

Youri Tielemans – 1/10

Carelessly gave the ball away twice, forcing Maguire into a heroic block and leaving Santos with little choice but to commit a tactical foul and pick up a yellow card to bail him out.

His wastefulness in possession was unacceptable, and he deserves to be dropped for the next game.

Amad Diallo – 4/10

Dazzled with a few dribbles but not good enough to lead the attack for a club as big as United.

Mason Mount – 2/10

Antony? Jadon Sancho? Mount is slowly creeping into the conversation for one of United’s most disastrous signings.

Bryan Mbeumo – 5/10

The best of a bad bunch.

Substitutions

Matheus Cunha – 4/10

Should have started ahead of Tielemans or Mount.

Lisandro Martinez – 4/10

Got embarrassed by Rayan seconds after coming on.

Joshua Zirkzee – 4/10

Another player who should have started after his goal against como.

Shea Lacey – NA

Sending an academy talent after going down 3-0 for second consecutive time. A brainless substitution from Carrick.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has officially unveiled his starting XI for today’s Premier League game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

The United manager is under mounting pressure after a disastrous start to the 2026-27 campaign, with his position increasingly coming under scrutiny.

Another disappointing result or lacklustre performance could prove the final straw, leaving INEOS with a major decision to make about the 45-year-old’s future.

Carrick has made four changes to the side that suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in their previous outing.

Senne Lammens retains his place between the posts, but the Belgian goalkeeper is still waiting to register his first clean sheet of the campaign.

Diogo Dalot keeps his place at right-back despite his dismal display against Como, while Ayden Heaven returns after recovering from illness and is set to start on the opposite flank.

Leny Yoro is reinstated in the XI after he missed the previous encounter due to suspension.

The Frenchman partners Harry Maguire at centre-back, with the experienced defender making his third consecutive start.

Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba form the midfield double pivot, while Mason Mount is handed a starting role on the left wing.

Youri Tielemans is yet again given the opportunity to play in the number 10 position, with club captain Bruno Fernandes dropping to the bench.

Fernandes has been in poor form but his post-match comments after the defeat to Como have forced Carrick to make the big call.

Amad Diallo returns to the starting XI and will play in his favoured right-wing position, with Bryan Mbeumo leading the attack.

Confirmed Man United line-up (4-2-3-1): Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven; Andrey Santos, Carlos Baleba; Youri Tielemans, Amad Diallo, Mason Mount; Bryan Mbeumo

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has sent a big message ahead of today’s Premier League game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have gone seven games without a victory, and they recently suffered a humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat against Como away.

As things stand, United are 15th in the top-flight with just one point separating them from the drop zone. They desperately need to return to winning ways today.

Ahead of the match, Carrick has said that he has 100 percent trust in his squad and insisted that they will and have to be ‘a different team’ against the Cherries.

He said (via Manutd.com): “I definitely trust them, yeah 100 per cent, I trust them.

“It wasn’t a very good night at all for so many reasons.

“We all know that, I think that’s pretty obvious. I definitely trust them, yeah, I trust them.

“We’ll be a different team on Sunday. We have to be a different team on Sunday.”

United face stern challenge against Bournemouth

The Cherries have been a bogey club for United over the past few years. The last six meetings don’t paint a nice picture, with four draws and a couple of losses for the Red Devils.

Last season, the clubs played a high-scoring 4-4 draw at Old Trafford, and we can expect another potentially high-scoring contest, given their recent defensive displays.

For Carrick and United, this appears a must-win game or the club could be dragged into the drop zone with tougher fixtures against Chelsea, Aston Villa and Liverpool to come.

A victory would be a huge confidence booster before the Chelsea trip next weekend, while a defeat would increase scrutiny and potentially cost Carrick his head coach position.

United have already started the process of pursuing potential replacements, and ex-Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is considered the front-runner if Carrick leaves.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United host Bournemouth in today’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have been on a dismal run with seven winless games in all competitions.

They were thoroughly beaten by Como in the Champions League in midweek (4-1) and need a strong response against the Cherries.

Bournemouth have struggled in the league too after their managerial change, but they have been a bogey club for United over the years.

United are winless in the last six meetings with four draws and two defeats, and they must seek to return to winning ways this afternoon.

It appears a make-or-break game for manager Michael Carrick, and we anticipate at least three big changes to the starting line-up.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

Senne Lammens has been an undisputed starter in goal since his debut in October last year, and should keep his place between the sticks as usual.

Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui look poised to continue in the right-back and left-back positions respectively. United have no fit senior left-backs with Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu injured.

Young graduate Harry Amass and centre-back Ayden Heaven can also play there, but Carrick could continue with the experienced Mazraoui in the role, given the importance of the fixture.

Matthijs de Ligt made his first appearance in almost a year in midweek. He looked far from his usual best, given the lack of match sharpness after an extended lay-off due to a back injury.

The Dutchman should drop to the bench today. Leny Yoro, who was suspended for the Champions League game at Como, looks likely to partner Harry Maguire in central defence.

Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined with a thigh injury sustained at Leeds United.

In central midfield, we expect Carlos Baleba to partner Andrey Santos, with Mason Mount making way.

Baleba had a poor cameo against Como, where he gifted the third goal with his lack of awareness.

Still, the Cameroonian has been a bright spark with his distribution and defensive contributions since his debut and should be reinstated into the XI.

Further forward, we expect Carrick to make a shrewd decision by dropping underperforming captain Bruno Fernandes after another dismal display.

The Portuguese, who joined United for an initial £47 million, has looked out of sorts over the last few weeks and barely made his mark against Como as a makeshift number nine.

Fernandes was substituted shortly after the hour mark and later questioned Carrick’s tactics after the game, which should have been done in the dressing room.

We believe the playmaker should be dropped on recent form. Youri Tielemans has fared better as a number 10 lately. He delivered two perfect crosses against Leeds.

One of those contributed to Bryan Mbeumo’s goal, and the Belgian should start as the attacking midfielder.

We would stick with Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo as the left and right wingers, respectively, and anticipate Joshua Zirkzee to be rewarded with a start upfront.

The Netherlands ace has yet to start in any competition for United this term, but his impressive cameo at Como, capped with a late goal, deserves a starting berth today.

How Man Utd could line up vs Bournemouth

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has thrown his support behind head coach Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils have endured a disastrous start to the 2026-27 season, putting Carrick in a precarious position ahead of the all-important Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

Amid reports of divisions within the dressing room over the head coach, Lammens has moved to reassure supporters, insisting that the squad remains united and firmly behind the former midfielder.

He said (via Sky Sports): “I think it’s easy to see maybe after a game when players are very frustrated, and I get it, I’m very frustrated as well because we all really want to do better and we all want to win and then we might say sometimes things we don’t really mean or fully explain what we mean.

“Of course, the people at home can’t see that, so we need to also try to look like that when we are on the pitch in the weekend, but I can assure you that we’re doing everything we can and we’re all together behind the coach, as a staff, players, front office.”

Words must be backed by performances

It is only October, yet Manchester United are already engulfed in a full-blown crisis.

Winning just two of their last 11 games is a dreadful return for any club, let alone a giant like United, who are expected to compete at the highest level.

Lammens has been one of the very few United players who have been above average in this horror campaign.

The Belgian goalkeeper has produced several superb saves to keep United in games.

However, the defensive frailties in front of him have been so glaring that he is still waiting to record his first clean sheet.

Bournemouth will provide another stern test, particularly given the threat they have posed to United in recent meetings.

Indeed, Lammens arguably produced some of his best displays against the Cherries last season, when the two Premier League encounters ended in 4-4 and 2-2 draws.

United must now show greater intensity, determination and urgency if they are to turn their season around and ease the pressure on Carrick.

Another timid display, especially without any visible signs of fight or improvement, could prove decisive and bring his spell at Old Trafford to an abrupt end.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United will host Bournemouth at Old Trafford in the Premier League tomorrow.

Head coach Michael Carrick is fighting to save his job, and another disappointing performance or result could bring his time in charge to an abrupt end.

After an outstanding second half of the 2025-26 season, expectations were understandably high for both Carrick and his players heading into the new campaign.

Carrick has struggled to find fresh solutions, while several senior stars have failed to deliver the consistency and quality expected of them.

Now, he must show some ruthlessness and drop three established first-team players who have repeatedly fallen short this season.

Even if Bournemouth proves to be his final game in charge, the United manager must send a clear message that nobody is guaranteed a place in the starting XI.

The Old Trafford faithful would rather see academy graduates given the chance to learn from their mistakes than continue watching underperforming senior players receive opportunities they have done little to justify.

No space for entitlement at Man Utd

Diogo Dalot should be the first to face the axe after a thoroughly disappointing campaign.

The Portuguese has been asked to cover both full-back positions this season, but his performances have too often left United exposed at the back and lacking quality going forward.

Despite spending eight years at Old Trafford, Dalot continues to raise the same questions about his consistency.

Harry Amass is waiting in the wings for an opportunity at left-back after United blocked his proposed move to Burnley on transfer deadline day.

Noussair Mazraoui should be the second senior player to lose his place in the starting XI.

The Moroccan has not struggled to the same extent as Dalot, but Carrick can no longer afford to prioritise experience over performances as he fights to turn United’s season around.

Nico Paz embarrassed Mazraoui on several occasions on the left, forcing Carrick to switch formations and station the 28-year-old at right centre-back.

Even that tactical adjustment failed to prevent United from collapsing, as Como scored three goals in the second half to compound the misery.

Jaydan Kamason is an exciting young right-back who has impressed at academy level and deserves consideration for a first-team opportunity.

The 19-year-old may not yet be fully prepared for the demands of senior football, but he could inject the energy and commitment that Mazraoui has failed to demonstrate consistently in recent matches.

Bruno Fernandes also needs to be dropped. His performances have been poor but Carrick’s questionable tactical decisions have also contributed to his difficulties.

His criticism of Carrick and the coaching staff following the Como defeat was a poor way to handle the situation.

He is the leader of the group and he should have raised those concerns in the dressing room.

Shea Lacey scored a stunning goal against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup last month.

Lacey has made just one substitute appearance for the first team since that memorable moment.

The 19-year-old played as an attacking midfielder in pre-season and should get his second start in the famous United shirt tomorrow.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .