Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been dropped to the bench by manager Michael Carrick for the Premier League clash against Bournemouth, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. Romano reported on X that the decision was made by Carrick following Fernandes’ recent poor form and his criticism of the manager’s…...
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been dropped to the bench by manager Michael Carrick for the Premier League clash against Bournemouth, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Romano reported on X that the decision was made by Carrick following Fernandes’ recent poor form and his criticism of the manager’s tactics after Manchester United’s heavy defeat to Como.
The reported decision comes days after Fernandes openly questioned United’s tactical approach following their 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, a result that intensified pressure on Carrick.
Fernandes criticised the coaching staff’s decision not to press Como players man-to-man, arguing that the approach allowed their opponents to control possession and build confidence.
“It’s a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, wait for them, but sometimes when you give space to these teams they get confidence,” Fernandes said after the match.
When asked whether he was questioning Carrick’s tactics, the Portuguese midfielder replied: “That’s on the manager and staff to see it, not me.”
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He also argued that United needed to be more aggressive in their pressing, saying: “Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable.
Read Also: Bruno Fernandes Questions Carrick’s Tactics After Man Utd’s 4-1 Defeat To Como
Carrick, however, defended his position and pointed to the players’ work rate after the defeat.
“Whatever system you play, whatever tactics you play, if you don’t run, and you don’t run forward, and you don’t run back, you aren’t going to win,” the United manager said.
Fernandes’ reported omission from the starting line-up against Bournemouth now adds another dimension to the tension following the Como defeat, although the decision has been attributed to his recent form as well as the post-match criticism.