Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has refused to guarantee Bruno Fernandes’ place in the starting line-up or his continued position as club captain following the midfielder’s public criticism of the team’s tactical approach after their disappointing 4-1 defeat to Como.

According to a report by GOAL on Friday, October 23, 2026, Fernandes’ comments have created fresh uncertainty at Old Trafford, with Carrick facing questions about whether the Portuguese midfielder could face disciplinary consequences ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth.

Fernandes expressed his disappointment after United’s Champions League defeat, questioning the tactical decisions made by Carrick and his coaching staff. The midfielder specifically revealed that the team had decided against adopting a man-to-man pressing approach against Como, suggesting that the decision contributed to their poor performance.

The comments have raised concerns about the relationship between the United captain and his manager, particularly as the club attempts to recover from a difficult run of results.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Carrick was asked whether he would consider dropping Fernandes or removing him from the captaincy.

However, the United manager avoided making any direct commitment, insisting that the interests of the football club would always take priority.

“The most important thing for me is the team, first and foremost,” Carrick said, as quoted by ESPN.

“It’s the squad, it’s the dynamics in the squad. And again, it’s about the football club. And I’ll always do what’s best for the football club.”

Carrick also refused to disclose whether he had held a private conversation with Fernandes about his public remarks following the Como defeat.

“I’m just saying I’ll always, whatever the situation is, I’ll always do what’s best for the football club. If I’ve spoken to him or haven’t spoken to him, I don’t think this is the time to go into too much detail,” he added.

The controversy comes amid growing pressure on Carrick following Manchester United’s disappointing performances this season.

Fernandes is also not the only senior player to have raised concerns about the club’s leadership. Defender Lisandro Martinez previously criticised director of football Jason Wilcox and the United board, further increasing scrutiny of the atmosphere within the club.

Nevertheless, Carrick dismissed suggestions that disagreements among players and officials had created divisions within the dressing room.

“It’s not divided, no, it’s not divided,” he insisted.

The manager also stressed the importance of putting recent disappointments behind them and working towards restoring the standards expected at Manchester United.

The Red Devils will now focus on Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, where they will be looking to respond positively to their European setback.

Fernandes’ involvement remains a major talking point ahead of the fixture, with Carrick yet to clarify whether the midfielder will retain his starting position or continue wearing the captain’s armband.