Michael Carrick appears to be on the brink of the sack as Manchester United manager after another diabolical performance saw them humiliated 3-0 by Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
The club’s latest crisis appeared to spiral out of control during the week as they suffered a 4-1 Champions League thrashing at the hands of Como and captain Bruno Fernandes then produced a diatribe criticising Carrick and his tactics.
The United boss refused to commit to retaining the Portuguese as captain earlier in the week and then dropped him for the visit of Bournemouth but that didn’t stop his side deservedly being thrashed by a well-drilled Cherries side who were flying high after their Europa League win over AC Milan and then may have ended Carrick’s reign thanks to goals from Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson.
All eyes now turn to the United hierarchy as they ponder whether, or perhaps when, to pull the trigger on Carrick and start the search for a new manager.
Follow all the fallout from Old Trafford below:
Man United vs Bournemouth
- Man United humiliated 3-0 by Bournemouth at Old Trafford in another dismal display
- Michael Carrick on the brink of the sack after latest disaster
- Bruno Fernandes dropped to the bench and not brought on after midweek criticism of Carrick's tactics
- 71' GOAL! Evanilson produces stunning finish as Lammens stranded [MUN 0-3 BOU]
- 43' GOAL! Tavernier taps in after Yoro error punished [MUN 0-2 BOU]
- 39' GOAL! Rayan coolly volleys home a free-kick at the back post [MUN 0-1 BOU]
Next Man United manager: Who could replace Michael Carrick?
16:10 , Luke BakerI think we’ve reached that stage now - looking at who could replace Michael Carrick as Man United boss.
Eddie Howe? Fabian Hurzeler? Cesc Fabregas? Here’s our list of candidates:
Next Man United manager: Who could replace Michael Carrick?
Michael Carrick waiting for news
16:07 , Luke BakerA horrible, horrible waiting game for Michael Carrick now. Surely he’ll be sacked but will the call be made later today or tomorrow?
'The United faithful recognise it's over for Carrick'
16:00 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordHere’s Richard Jolly on the ground
Chants for Carrick on the final whistle, but the United faithful are recognising his playing days. They probably realise this is all over for him. It is hard to see how it carries on.
FULL-TIME! Man United 0-3 Bournemouth
15:59 , Luke BakerMichael Carrick walks around Old Trafford clapping the fans. Surely this a farewell? There’s no way he can survive this, right?
FULL-TIME! Man United 0-3 Bournemouth
15:56 , Luke BakerMichael Carrick’s name is chanted by the United fans as the final whistle blows. This result could be the final nail in his coffin. It’s hard to see how he stays now.
Bournemouth were brilliant, Man United were hopeless. The whole thing was a mess.
SAVE! Man United 0-3 Bournemouth, 90+4 mins
15:54 , Luke BakerMount curls a shot from the edge of the box, straight at Petrovic though.
Man United 0-3 Bournemouth, 90 mins
15:50 , Luke BakerMan United fans have streamed out of Old Trafford as we play five minutes of injury time.
Man United 0-3 Bournemouth, 87 mins
15:48 , Luke BakerCouple of changes for Bournemouth who must be enjoying this. They’ve been great value for the win.
One of the subs is big news for the Cherries as Eli Junior Kroupi, one of the stars of last season, is back from injury for his first Premier League minutes of the season.
He enters the fray along with Ryan Christie and Bafode Diakite as the impressive trio of Evanilson, Marcus Tavernier and Adam Smith.
Smith actually dallied too long coming off the field, so Diakite has to wait on the touchline for a minute as Bournemouth play with 10 men.
Man United 0-3 Bournemouth, 85 mins
15:45 , Luke BakerGreat play by Shea Lacey down the right, dancing feet and stands up a dangerous cross. The ball bounces around a bit and deflects just wide. A bit of inspiration from the youngster
'The curse in the press box'
15:42 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordIn the press box today is someone who does not cover many United games but was at the last for each of Louis van Gaal, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag. He may have struck again...
Gary Neville: 'The football club is a mess right now'
15:40 , Luke BakerGary Neville not holding back in his co-commentary role on Sky Sports.
“I thought Man United should have gone for the best manager they could get over the summer, rather than giving it to Michael Carrick. But I didn’t expect it to go sour this quickly.
“It’s a mess, the football club is a mess right now.”
Oof!
'Safe to say Carrick and Fernandes have fallen out'
15:38 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffodShea Lacey replaces Amad Diallo - that’s Man United’s last substitution window used. No Bruno Fernandes today.
Here’s Richard Jolly:
Shea Lacey will become the next to come on instead of Fernandes. Think it is safe to say Carrick and Fernandes have fallen out...
WATCH: Evanilson's stunning finish
15:35 , Luke BakerHere’s that goal from Evanilson. Sublime
"What a finish!" 😮💨
Evanilson makes it 3-0 to Bournemouth with a stunning goal pic.twitter.com/hPMR78Z3cX
'Berrada and Wilcox could sack themselves first'
15:33 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordWithering from Richard Jolly
"Sacked in the morning" really is ringing around Old Trafford now. United's hapless brains trust of Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox probably have no option but to act. Though they could sack themselves first...
Man United 0-3 Bournemouth, 74 mins
15:32 , Luke BakerZirkzee on for Man United but you have to ask - to what end?
GOAL! Man United 0-3 Bournemouth (Evanilson, 71 mins)
15:32 , Luke BakerOH MY WORD! What a finish by Evanilson but what is Senne Lammens doing?
Lewis Cook whips the ball into the right channel, Lammens hares miles out of his box and Evanilson knocks it past him. He’s left with an insanely tight angle from outside the box and curls in an exquisite finish into the far corner. Wow!
Curtains for Man United. Curtains for Michael Carrick.
Man United 0-2 Bournemouth, 70 mins
15:28 , Luke BakerYou can’t say Martinez hasn’t been involved since coming on! After getting skinned by Rayan, he has a more positive contribution at the other end as he receives the ball, takes a touch and rifles a shot goalwards but Petrovic down well to save.
The Argentine centre-back then goes back to fouling Rayan in his own half shortly after.
MISS! Man United 0-2 Bournemouth, 66 mins
15:26 , Luke BakerI think that should be 3-0. It’s brilliant by Rayan as he drives away from Dalot and then skips past Martinez who helplessly falls down but he flashes his shot wide when in on goal.
Sublime up until the finish from the Brazilian.
Man United 0-2 Bournemouth, 63 mins
15:25 , Luke BakerOne Man United pariah enters the fray as Lisandro Martinez - who laid into the hierarchy in an explosive interview after the Atletico Madrid defeat - comes on for Ayden Heaven at centre-back.
The wait for this week’s pariah goes on...
'A word for Bournemouth'
15:23 , Luke BakerBen Gannon-Doak on for Justin Kluivert for Bournemouth and Richard Jolly is eager to pay tribute to the Cherries
A word for Bournemouth in all this. Barring a United comeback, they will have beaten two clubs who won a combined 10 European Cups in the space of four days. Not bad for a club who had a 17-point deduction in League Two in 2008 - when a United side including Carrick were champions of Europe.
Man United 0-2 Bournemouth, 63 mins
15:22 , Luke BakerDriving run down the left from Dalot and it takes two Bournemouth defenders to stop him and force the corner. Petrovic off his line to claim that cross though
Andrey Santos, already on a booking, catches Tavernier. He protests his innocence but he’s got to be careful
Man United 0-2 Bournemouth, 61 mins
15:20 , Luke BakerAppeals for a penalty from the United faithful as Mbeumo tangles with a Bournemouth defender in the box. Referee Jarred Gillett with an emphatic ‘no’ with his arms.
Better from United again shortly after as they work the ball to Mbeumo on the right of the box and he fashions a shot that isn’t far over the bar.
Baby steps but steps in the right direction nonetheless
Man United 0-2 Bournemouth, 58 mins
15:18 , Luke BakerUnited play the ball around the edge of the box and Cunha spins before curling a left-footed shot that is too high.
Surely it must be Bruno Fernandes time by now? He emerges from the dugout to start warming up...
'This is an astonishingly bad Man United performance'
15:16 , Luke BakerOur Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly is not impressed...
This is an astonishingly bad performance from Manchester United. And, over the last 13 years, I have been at a lot of bad performances from Manchester United.
SAVE! Man United 0-2 Bournemouth, 50 mins
15:10 , Luke BakerManchester United are wilting completely here. Bournemouth slice through United once more after Heaven gives the ball away and Rayan shapes to curl the ball into the far corner but the shot is timid and Petrovic can get down to save. Deary me.
Man United 0-2 Bournemouth, 48 mins
15:07 , Luke BakerIt looks like Matheus Cunha is playing out on the left and Mason Mount has shifted inside to the No 10 position with Tielemans taken off.
Surely Bruno Fernandes should have been thrown into the fray?
Man United 0-2 Bournemouth, 46 mins
15:06 , Luke BakerAlmost disaster just 25 seconds into the second half for United!
Heaven loses control of the ball, Maguire with a dodgy touch and the ball is slipped through for Evanilson to smash past Lammens. Luckily the offside flag goes up to save the hosts. If Evanilson had left it for Rayan, might the Brazilian winger have been onside?
Anyway, a huge let-off.
KICK-OFF! Man United 0-2 Bournemouth
15:04 , Luke BakerMan United have made a half-time change!
But it’s not Bruno Fernandes... Matheus Cunha comes on for Youri Tielemans
WATCH: Bournemouth putting Man United to the sword
15:00 , Luke BakerTwo goals in the first half for Bournemouth. You fear for Michael Carrick, you really do.
What a finish from Rayan to give Bournemouth the lead! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9BV0G5Tqgi
Bournemouth have a second! 🍒
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 25, 2026
Leny Yoro's slip allows Adrien Truffert to roll the ball to Marcus Tavernier who makes no mistake! pic.twitter.com/WdbaJtEu29
HALF-TIME! Man United 0-2 Bournemouth
14:56 , Luke BakerThis has been grim for Man United
HALF-TIME! Man United 0-2 Bournemouth
14:50 , Luke BakerThe half-time whistle blows and boos ring round Old Trafford. This is absolute disaster for Man United.
Rayan and Marcus Tavernier have given Bournemouth a fully-deserved 2-0 lead. It’s hard to see a way back for United, or Carrick, at this point
Man United 0-2 Bournemouth, 45+1 mins
14:49 , Luke BakerUnited trying to get back in this before half-time. They have a weak penalty shout and then Baleba tries a shot at goal but it’s well over.
Harry Maguire is yellow carded for an off-the-ball push for good measure
United fans unveil a banner
14:48 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordA banner has been unveiled in the Stretford End - showing Eric Cantona, Roy Keane and, er, someone... It’s accompanied by the word ‘standards’
GOAL! Man United 0-2 Bournemouth (Marcus Tavernier, 43 mins)
14:46 , Luke BakerTwo in four minutes for Bournemouth! Oh dear oh dear Manchester United and Leny Yoro.
Yoro retreating with the ball, dithers and dithers, pressured by Truffert and he manages to ease him off it on the left edge of the box.
Truffert then squares it to Marcus Tavernierto stroke into the gaping net. Too easy. Is this the last rites for Michael Carrick?
SAVE! Man United 0-1 Bournemouth, 41 mins
14:44 , Luke BakerBetter from Man United! A first shot on target as they stride forward with purpose, Mbeumo is slotted in and he fires across goal.
Petrovic dives and pushes the ball wide. A save you’d expect him to make but neatly done.
Man United 0-1 Bournemouth, 40 mins
14:42 , Luke BakerChant so “you’re getting sacked in the morning” from the Bournemouth fans to Michael Carrick! If it stays like this, they might be right...
Tielemans gets a yellow card for a frustrated lunge, taking out his man. United have to be careful here.
GOAL! Man United 0-1 Bournemouth (Rayan, 39 mins)
14:41 , Luke BakerAnd Bournemouth are ahead! From the free-kick after Heaven’s reckless lunge, Kluivert whips the ball to the back post where Rayan is all alone and calmly follows with his side foot beyond Lammens. Beautiful technique and the Cherries lead!
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 37 mins
14:39 , Luke BakerIs Heaven a bit of a lucky boy there? He jumps in with both feet off the ground - it’s a very 1980s approach and hugely dangerous. Luckily Evanilson sees it coming and pulls out, so there’s no contact.
Yellow card for Heaven but any contact and that might be red.
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 36 mins
14:38 , Luke BakerHarry Maguire bundles his way forwards and gets the crowd excited before laying off a short pass at the edge of the box.
Amad then skins Truffert on the left to get the supporters murmuring in appreciation as well.
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 32 mins
14:33 , Luke BakerBetter from United as Tielemans and Amad work it well down the right and the former can get a cross in. Hill slides in and smothers the ball, allowing Petrovic to pick it up.
Bournemouth trying to do a Man United manager double
14:31 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordHere’s Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
There is the chance for Bournemouth to do a Manchester United manager double this week, after beating Ruben Amorim - and AC Milan - 3-0 on Thursday. In recent years they have 3-0 Old Trafford wins against United under both Amorim and Erik ten Hag.
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 28 mins
14:30 , Luke BakerA second yellow card of the afternoon, this time for Bournemouth as Tyler Adams lunges in to try and get the ball off Tielemans but it’s a clear foul.
Shorlty after, Kluivert pings a dangerous ball into the box and Tavernier throws a head at it but can’t quite connect before Evanilson slides to try and get a foot on it but is similarly millimetres away. Close!
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 26 mins
14:28 , Luke BakerBaleba covers well at left-back but does concede the corner.
Into the six-yard box but Lammens comfortably claims. Tries to start a counter-attack with a quick throw but he’s errant and Bournemouth win the ball back immediately
Bournemouth fans making plenty of noise...
14:25 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordMore from Richard Jolly on the ground
All I can hear is the Bournemouth fans, singing about Adrien Truffert and Marco Rose. Admittedly, the press box is quite near them but they are outnumbered by some margin here.
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 22 mins
14:24 , Luke BakerPoor touch from Tielemans, Truffert nips the ball away and Santos comes steaming in to try and win it back but simply clatters the Bournemouth left-back.
A yellow card for Santos. Fully deserved
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 19 mins
14:21 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordDalot gets into the box on the left-hand side but his speculative shot is wild, miles over the bar.
Richard Jolly assesses the start that Michael Carrick’s men have made...
Not saying United haven't had much threat without Fernandes but, before Dalot's shot, they only had one touch of the ball in the Bournemouth box.
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 16 mins
14:18 , Luke BakerGood ball over the top from United that Mbeumo races on to but Silva with some superb cover to save his central-defensive partner Hill and he nicks the bouncing ball away. Very strong.
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 13 mins
14:15 , Luke BakerMan United looking a little pedestrian so far and Bournemouth look dangerous when they attack (or counter-attack) at pace.
Mount, making his first Premier League start of the season, is pinged for a foul in the middle of the park.
'United look susceptible to the counter'
14:11 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordRichard Jolly is at Old Trafford for us
United already look rather susceptible to the counter-attack, which doesn't bode well for them, especially given Bournemouth's pace on the break
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 9 mins
14:10 , Luke BakerDalot is released down the left and floats in a cross that Petrovic punches with one hand. Not hugely convincing but good enough.
Bournemouth then counter-attack at speed and Rayan whips a low ball into the six-yard box that Yoro does brilliantly to slide in an put over the bar, pinching a tap-in away from Evanilson. Last-ditch defending!
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 7 mins
14:08 , Luke BakerReally nicely worked by Bournemouth as they carve through Man United. Rayan gets to the edge of the box and tries to fire into the far corner but Maguire does really well to block it behind for a corner. A warning shot...
Lammens off his line to cleanly claim the corner. Bournemouth have started the better though.
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 5 mins
14:06 , Luke BakerA ball whipped in from the left by Bournemouth, it bounces up and maybe brushes Dalot on the arm? Checked and cleared by VAR though.
The corner is a good one and Rayan manages to get a head on it but can only direct it wide of the post.
Man United 0-0 Bournemouth, 2 mins
14:04 , Luke BakerThere was driving wind and torrential rain in Manchester this morning but the weather is borderline glorious now.
Bournemouth happy to control possession early on. A probing ball over the top looks for Evanilson but the returning Ayden Heaven across to clear
'The Stretford End are singing about Michael Carrick and then the Glazers'
14:02 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordRichard Jolly is at Old Trafford for us this afternoon
The Stretford End are singing the Michael Carrick song - "It's Carrick, you know, hard to believe it's not Scholes" - which hasn't been heard too often this season
The first chant of the match from the United fans is "We want the Glazers out"
KICK-OFF! Man United v Bournemouth
14:01 , Luke BakerTake Me Home, Country Roads ringing round Old Trafford - can the crowd inspire Manchester United to a response?
Man United v Bournemouth
13:59 , Luke BakerA reminder how both teams line up. It will be interesting to see if United line up in a 3-4-3 or more of a 4-2-3-1 today.
Man United XI: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot; Santos, Baleba; Diallo, Tielemans, Mount; Mbeumo
Bournemouth XI: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Adams, Cook; Rayan, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson
Man United v Bournemouth
13:57 , Luke BakerA couple of minutes to go until kick-off at Old Trafford. This could be a mammoth day in the history of Manchester United
Man United v Bournemouth
13:52 , Luke BakerWe’re a little under 10 minutes until kick-off now. What will today bring at Old Trafford?
Man United aren't unmanageable
13:43 , Luke BakerIt feels like a fair question to ask whether Man United are unmanageable, given the state of perma-crisis they live in.
When that was put to the United boss earlier this week, Michael Carrick retorted: “No, no”.
And when asked if he can trust the players to deliver against Bournemouth given the last week, Carrick said: “I definitely trust them, yeah, 100 per cent I trust them.
“It wasn’t a very good night [against Como] 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.”
'It's about us', says Marco Rose
13:36 , Luke BakerBournemouth boss Marco Rose is asked whether it’s a good or bad time for his side to be facing Man United and says it could go either way.
“It’s about us”, says Rose.
"It's about us" 💪
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 25, 2026
Marco Rose discusses whether it is a good time for Bournemouth to face Manchester United pic.twitter.com/m0zzO2UMKt
Bournemouth team news
13:31 , Luke BakerHere’s how Bournemouth line up today, with a dangerous-looking attacking quartet.
Rayan, Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier will play behind Evanilson, who takes the No 9 role.
Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook will sit in front of the back four and Marco Rose will surely fancy his team’s chances today.
Bournemouth XI: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Adams, Cook; Rayan, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson
🔴 TEAM NEWS 🤍
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) October 25, 2026
Your #afcb squad to face Manchester United 💪 pic.twitter.com/pIuikNjYeY
'Man United may play the 3-4-3 they did at Leeds'
13:23 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordSenior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly is our man at Old Trafford today and he’s had his say on the United team news
The big news is the dropping of Bruno Fernandes, a "pure football" decision, according to Michael Carrick, suggesting it isn't personal.
Certainly Fernandes' form has not been great. Admittedly, neither has that of many others.
The thought is United may play something like the 3-4-3 they did at Leeds, so with Heaven, Maguire and Yoro as a back three, Dalot and Amad as wing-backs and with Tielemans and Mount preferred to Fernandes as the No 10s.
Lisandro Martinez, another who has been critical of United of late, is on the bench, but is not deemed fit to start.
Man United 'lack quality' without Bruno Fernandes
13:18 , Luke BakerJamie Carragher has been discussing Man United’s line-up on Sky Sports and admits there’s a lack of quality without Bruno Fernandes.
The front four of Amad Diallo, Youri Tielemans, Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo does lack a bit of punch
"What it lacks without Bruno Fernandes is quality"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 25, 2026
Jamie Carragher analyses Man Utd's lineup against Bournemouth 🔴 pic.twitter.com/60AVjjNGaA
Michael Carrick says 'pure football' the reason Bruno Fernandes dropped
13:16 , Luke BakerMichael Carrick has been asked about his decision to drop skipper Bruno Fernandes and insists it was purely for footballing reasons. Whether you believe him is another matter of course.
“Picking the team, the starting XI, you’ve got options to choose from and it’s always a difficult decision,” Carrick told Sky Sports.
“We’ve got to make what we feel is the right one for today, for the team and to try and get that performance that we want.”
“When pushed on whether the decision was for footballing reasons or because of the midweek comments for Fernandes, Carrick insisted: “Pure football, pure football.”
"You've got options to choose from, it's always a difficult decision"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 25, 2026
Michael Carrick says Bruno Fernandes has been dropped from the Man Utd side for pure footballing reasons 🔴 pic.twitter.com/NHMro1ua5o
Bruno Fernandes dropped for Bournemouth clash after criticism of Michael Carrick tactics
13:05 , Luke BakerBruno Fernandes was dropped by Michael Carrick for Manchester United’s game against Bournemouth after criticising the manager in an explosive interview following Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat to Como.
Carrick left his captain, and the reigning PFA Player of the Year, out and instead put him on the bench, signalling the sudden breakdown in their relationship after Fernandes publicly blamed the head coach.
Here’s Richard Jolly’s full report on the situation from Old Trafford:
Bruno Fernandes dropped for Bournemouth after criticism of Michael Carrick tactics
Gary Neville: Michael Carrick had 'no option'
13:03 , Luke BakerFormer Man United captain Gary Neville said Michael Carrick had “no option” but to drop Burno Fernandes after a “direct attack” on the manager.
He told Sky Sports: “I don’t think there is any way that Carrick can start Fernandes today. I’ve no idea if he is going to start but when I saw Carrick’s face on Friday, you could see in his eyes he was going to embark on something that was going to bring this to a head.
“It’s a direct attack on the manager. If you go back 25 years, these players would never be anywhere near the club, never mind the pitch. They’d be gone. Finished.”
TEAM NEWS: Bruno Fernandes dropped by Michael Carrick
12:48 , Luke BakerNow it’s official. Bruno Fernandes is only on the bench for Man Untied today after his midweek outburst.
Harry Maguire will captain United instead, while Youri Tielemans is likely to play in the No 10 role, with Amad Diallo and Mason Mount also providing attacking support to Bryan Mbeumo.
Man United XI: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot; Santos, Baleba; Diallo, Tielemans, Mount; Mbeumo
Today's United starting XI! 💪🇾🇪 pic.twitter.com/i1amM2Zeih
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2026
Bournemouth flying high after AC Milan demolition
12:44 , Luke BakerThere will be plenty of focus on Manchester United today, and rightly so, but what about their opponents?
Bournemouth are currently living the dream as the latest chapter in their Europa League dream was a 3-0 demolition of European giants AC Milan on Thursday night.
Milan were outplayed on a pitch that hosted League Two football as recently as 2010, leaving Cherries boss Marco Rose delighted but keen for his team to stay humble.
“A big night for us,” said Rose after the win. “I’m happy for the club, for our fans especially. Really proud of my lads. The way they did it was brilliant from the first minute to the last. We played a really good game.
“But I think our club, it suits us to stay humble. We know we are good if we have the whole squad. We know we can compete with everyone.
“But the season is long. We have so many games. Sunday, Wednesday, Sunday. It’s demanding.”
Man United v Bournemouth
12:36 , Luke BakerLess than 90 minutes until kick-off at Old Trafford. What will today bring?
Bruno Fernandes set to be dropped
12:36 , Luke BakerIt appears that Bruno Fernandes will be dropped by Michael Carrick for the must-win fixture this afternoon, according to reports.
Fernandes is set to start the game on the bench after his midweek outburst against Carrick’s tactics, and the team’s lack of pressing, following the disastrous 4-1 thrashing by Como.
A huge call by the Man United boss. Will it backfire?
Next Man United manager: Who could replace Michael Carrick?
12:30 , Luke BakerMichael Carrick is still in charge of Man United. For now... But defeat this afternoon at home to Bournemouth could really be a hammer blow.
If Carrick is sacked, then who could replace him? We’ve taken a look at the options:
Next Man United manager: Who could replace Michael Carrick?
Bruno Fernandes turning on Michael Carrick exposes Man United’s unavoidable truth
12:21 , Luke BakerGreat, now the parents are arguing...
It was pretty clear when Bruno Fernandes was hauled off in the 65th minute, as Manchester United were thumped by Como in the Champions League, that he was far from happy.
He had spent his evening attempting to lead the United press, forlornly chasing after the ball like a terrier who had been tasked with closing down a flock of pigeons in a vast town square. Fernandes, like his United team-mates, got nowhere near it and Como toyed with them.
Before his substitution for Joshua Zirkzee, the captain had also wasted his energy by performatively flapping his arms and looking over his shoulder with the exasperated expression of ‘what are you guys doing back there?’ He trudged around the side of the pitch and returned to the bench without acknowledging his manager.
Fernandes’ disappointment is not exactly unexpected given it was a chastening night for United. But nor did we expect him to come out so strongly in his criticism at full-time.
Read Jamie Braidwood’s analysis of the Carrick-Fernandes situation:
Bruno Fernandes turning on Michael Carrick exposes Man United’s unavoidable truth
WATCH: Carrick refuses to rule out stripping Fernandes of Man United captaincy
12:13 , Luke BakerThe damning interview has prompted plenty of soul-searching and questions about everything at Man United.
Whether Bruno Fernandes starts against Bournemouth this afternoon will be fascinating to see.
For the moment, Michael Carrick wasn’t ruling out even stripping the Portuguese of the captaincy
Bruno Fernandes takes aim at Michael Carrick in post-match comments
12:09 , Luke BakerThe latest Old Trafford saga began when Bruno Fernandes gave some frank post-match interviews about Michael Carrick’s tactics following the Como debacle.
“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 told TNT Sports.
When asked whether he was saying that Carrick got his tactics wrong, the Portuguese added: “That's on the manager and staff to see, not me. Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable.
“As you saw with them [Como], the centre-back was coming to mark me in my own half. We need to do that as a team but we were unable to.
“A team that plays through the middle with small connections, if you give them too much time and space then they can hurt you out wide.”
Fuse, meet lighter...
"I think sometimes we have to be more brave under pressure."
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 21, 2026
Captain Bruno Fernandes gives his immediate reaction to Manchester United's heavy 4-1 defeat to Como 🗣️
🎙️ @LiamMacdevitt 📺 Stream on TNT Sports & HBO Max: https://t.co/fRCRh6tXYB pic.twitter.com/8bzmLGkRAX
The damning reality of Michael Carrick’s diabolical Man United
12:06 , Luke BakerAnother week, another crisis for Man United.
Wednesday’s 4-1 walloping at Como was a complete disaster, although boss Michael Carrick insisted it was not about him.
By the end, though, it was. Fernandes’ post-match interview ensured as much.
And if the tactical point the captain raised about United’s lack of pressing was relevant – they have looked slow and sluggish for much of the campaign, but perhaps they have too many old and slow players to press – the dissent was still the more notable element of his comments.
Read Richard Jolly’s full analysis of the mess at Old Trafford:
The damning reality of Michael Carrick’s diabolical Man United
How to watch Man United v Bournemouth
11:58 , Luke BakerMan United face Bournemouth at Old Trafford this afternoon, with kick-off at 2pm GMT.
The match will be live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 12.30pm.
The conditions could be tough for football with Storm Boelo striking the UK, causing strong winds and flood warnings in Manchester
Man United v Bournemouth
11:12 , Luke BakerWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of Man United v Bournemouth. It’s another huge game for United as boss Michael Carrick edges closer to disaster.
Can he keep the wolf from the door with a vital win or will the Cherries put the final nail in his coffin?
Stick with us for full live coverage of everything at Old Trafford and surrounding the game
