According to a report by Metro on October 23, 2026, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has sent a clear message to Bruno Fernandes ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth, insisting that he will make decisions based on what is best for the club following the midfielder's criticism of his tactics.

United suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, with the Italian side producing an impressive performance against Carrick's team.

Following the defeat, Fernandes questioned United's tactical approach, particularly the decision not to press Como man-to-man. When asked whether Carrick had made mistakes with his tactics, the Portuguese midfielder responded: “That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me.”

Carrick also delivered a blunt response after the match, stressing the importance of hard work from his players.

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

Fernandes' comments have raised questions about his involvement in Sunday's match against Bournemouth, with suggestions that the captain could be dropped following the public disagreement.

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has also urged Carrick to take Fernandes “out of the firing line” amid the growing scrutiny surrounding the midfielder.

However, Carrick has refused to reveal whether he intends to punish Fernandes or remove him from the captaincy ahead of the weekend fixture.

Speaking at his press conference on Friday, the United boss emphasised that the team's interests would take priority when making decisions about individual players.

“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 further on whether Fernandes could lose the captain's armband, Carrick reiterated his position.

“Whatever the situation is I will do what is best for the football club,” he added.

The manager also declined to discuss whether he had spoken privately with Fernandes following their disagreement.

“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,” Carrick explained.

Despite the controversy, Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Sunday's encounter as United look to respond to their heavy European defeat.

The Bournemouth match could prove important for both the manager and his captain, with attention likely to focus on whether Fernandes retains his place in the starting lineup.

For now, Carrick has made it clear that no individual player will take priority over Manchester United, leaving Fernandes' role against Bournemouth uncertain.