United Benches Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United benched their captain, Bruno Fernandes, for the home Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Sunday 25 October 2026. The decision follows Fernandes' public rebuke of manager Michael Carrick after the 4-1 Champions League loss to Como, where he blamed Carrick for the team's tactics. Carrick said the choice was "pure football" and that Fernandes would keep his captaincy, but would sit on the bench as United seeks to end a seven-match win-less run. Harry Maguire will lead the side, while Mason Mount and Youri Tielemans take on a play-making role and Matheus Cunha also sits unused. The benching is the sixth time Fernandes has been left out of a Premier League match, a rarity for a player of his stature, and a move that could be pivotal for Carrick amid mounting pressure, a point echoed by former player Gary Neville who called the dressing room toxic.