According to a report by Metro on Friday October 23, 2026, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has refused to rule out dropping Bruno Fernandes or stripping him of the captaincy ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth.

Carrick is under increasing pressure following United's disappointing run of results, which continued with a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Fernandes attracted attention after the match by publicly questioning Carrick's tactical decisions, particularly the team's approach to pressing their opponents.

When asked whether Carrick had made mistakes during the defeat, the Portuguese midfielder said: “That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me.”

Carrick responded after the game with a pointed message about the team's work rate, insisting that players must be willing to work hard in both attacking and defensive situations.

“If you don't run, and you don't run forward, and you don't run back, you ain't going to win,” he said.

The disagreement has raised questions about Fernandes' position in the team and whether he will retain the captain's armband for the Bournemouth encounter.

Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Carrick was asked directly whether he would consider dropping Fernandes or removing him as captain.

“The most important thing is the team and the dynamics of the squad and the football club and I always do what is best for the club,” Carrick said.

When pressed again about the possibility of stripping Fernandes of the captaincy, the United boss added: “Whatever the situation is I will do what is best for the football club.”

Carrick also declined to confirm whether he had spoken privately with Fernandes about his comments following the Como defeat.

“If I have spoken to him or I haven't spoken to him, I don't think this is the time to go into too much detail,” he said.

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has also weighed in on the situation, urging Carrick to take Fernandes “out of the firing line” amid the growing scrutiny surrounding the midfielder.

Despite the pressure, Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Sunday's match against Bournemouth. However, United's poor form has prompted the club to consider possible managerial alternatives if results do not improve.

The 4-1 loss to Como has intensified concerns about the team's performances, with United struggling to find consistency under Carrick this season.

Carrick opened Friday's press conference by insisting that he remains the right person to turn the situation around, but his latest comments suggest that no player is guaranteed a place if he believes a different decision would benefit the club.