The 32-year-old questioned United’s tactics following Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat by Como, their seventh consecutive game without a win. Carrick apologised to supporters after the loss and has now made the decision to start Fernandes on the bench for Sunday’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford.
Asked on Friday whether he would strip Fernandes of the captaincy, Carrick said: “I’ll always do what’s best for the football club. If I’ve spoken to (Fernandes) or haven’t spoken to him, I don’t think this is the time to go into too much detail.”
Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford will still be out with their respective knocks, but there is a positive update on Ayden Heaven, who is back after illness.
Kobbie Mainoo is still a week or so away from returning from a knock that has sidelined him since the 1-1 draw with Tottenham, joining Luke Shaw, Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton in the treatment room.
In a boost for Carrick though, Leny Yoro is available again after serving a European ban. The Frenchman had started every game following the autumn international break and earns an immediate recall, potentially partnering Harry Maguire in central defence after Matthijs de Ligt looked rusty on his first start in nearly a year.
Confirmed team news
Manchester United XI vs Bournemouth: Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Yoro, Heaven, Santos, Tielemans, Baleba, Mount, Amad, Mbeumo
Subs: Darlow, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui, Bruno Fernandes, Fletcher, Cunha, Lacey, Zirkzee
Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Truffert, Cook, Hill, Evanilson, Adams, Silva, Smith, Tavernier, Kluivert, Rayan
Subs: Di Gregorio, Soler, Brooks, Christie, Doak, Diakite, Adli, Junior Kroupi, Rodriguez
Injured: Mainoo, Shaw, Sesko, Dorgu, Ugarte, Heaton, Martinez, Rashford
Time and date: 2pm GMT on Sunday October 25, 2026
Venue: Old Trafford
How to watch: Sky Sports
Odds: Man Utd 11/10, Bournemouth 21/10, Draw 5/2
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