Bruno Fernandes dropped as Carrick benches Man Utd captain

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes started on the bench for the Premier League match against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on 25 October 2026. According to BBC Sport, the Portugal midfielder had held manager Michael Carrick responsible for the game plan, and for not changing it, after United were beaten 4-1 by Como in the Champions League. L'Équipe noted the selection came just four days after those remarks.

Speaking to Sky Sports before kick-off, Carrick described leaving Fernandes out as "a football decision", adding that having options always makes such calls hard. At his pre-match press conference, the United boss had declined to say whether his captain would keep his place.

Why was Bruno Fernandes dropped?

Bruno Fernandes was benched after publicly questioning the coaching staff's approach following the 4-1 loss at Como on 21 October 2026, including the decision not to adjust during the game. The club has not framed the move as a disciplinary measure, and Carrick presented it as a sporting choice. A report attributed to The Athletic suggested Carrick also feels the Portuguese is short of form.

Harry Maguire wore the armband in Fernandes' absence, while Mason Mount and Youri Tielemans were tasked with creating chances. The Guardian reported that Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba formed the midfield base. Matheus Cunha, hooked at half-time in Italy, was also among the substitutes.

How has Fernandes performed this season?

Before the Bournemouth game, Bruno Fernandes had started all 7 of United's Premier League matches, playing 630 minutes. ScoreLab data shows the 32-year-old's assists per 90 minutes have fallen from 0.62 last season to 0.14, with just 1 league assist so far. He still ranks highly among midfielders for attacking output, averaging 3.29 shots and 0.48 expected goals per 90. At Como he played 67 minutes and earned a ScoreLab rating of 6.43.

Being named among the substitutes for a league game is rare for Fernandes: BBC Sport counts the Bournemouth match as just his sixth such occasion in the Premier League with United. The two before it came at the end of 2024-25, when he was rested ahead of key Europa League ties. BBC Sport also points out that United have taken only one victory from the last 10 league matches he did not start, drawing three and losing six; the lone win was 1-0 against Newcastle in December.

Where do Manchester United stand?

Manchester United went into the Bournemouth game without a win in seven matches across all competitions. According to ScoreLab data, they drew 1-1 with Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United in the league, and lost 2-0 to Atlético Madrid and 4-1 to Como in the Champions League. Fernandes' contract with United runs until 30 June 2027.

1. 21 October 2026 — Manchester United lose 4-1 at Como in the Champions League; Bruno Fernandes criticises the tactics afterwards.
2. Pre-match press conference — Michael Carrick declines to say whether Fernandes will be dropped.
3. 25 October 2026 — Fernandes starts on the bench against Bournemouth; Harry Maguire captains the side.