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Michael Carrick ‘tried to EMBARRASS’ Bruno Fernandes by leaving him on the bench in Bournemouth humiliation, claims Jamie Carragher – as Man United boss explains why he dropped his captain after midweek outburst

That represented the first time Fernandes has been pulled from the line-up for non-fitness reasons since Carrick, again, took him out against Villarreal in November 2021.

By WILL PICKWORTH · Daily Mail

Published: Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 5:59 PM

Key Things to Know

Jamie Carragher claimed Michael Carrick benched Bruno Fernandes against Bournemouth to deliberately embarrass the Manchester United captain.
Carrick maintained that the choice to drop Fernandes to the bench was made for pure footballing reasons.
The benching followed Fernandes publicly criticizing coaching tactics after a 4-1 Champions League loss against Como.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Jamie Carragher claimed Michael Carrick tried to embarrass Bruno Fernandes by benching him and refusing to bring him on during Manchester United's loss to Bournemouth. The decision came after Fernandes publicly criticized tactical instructions following a 4-1 Champions League defeat against Como. Despite United falling behind, Carrick made four substitutions without calling upon his captain, leaving the Portuguese midfielder unused on the bench.

Speaking after the match, Carrick maintained that omitting Fernandes was based on pure footballing reasons rather than disciplinary motives. Manchester United were dominated by Bournemouth in the defeat, further intensifying pressure on Carrick's managerial position.

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