Manchester United 0-3 Bournemouth: Fernandes benched, fans turn on the owners and Carrick's future in doubt
Michael Carrick dropped Bruno Fernandes and watched Bournemouth win comfortably at Old Trafford. United are 16th, one point above the relegation zone, and Carrick says he is "carrying on as normal" while reports name Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte as candidates.
Michael Carrick needed a response. He got the opposite. Bournemouth won 3-0 at Old Trafford, United were booed off, and the manager's future is now the biggest question in English football.
The goals
| Minute | Scorer |
|---|---|
| 38' | Rayan (Bournemouth) |
| 43' | Marcus Tavernier (Bournemouth) |
| 71' | Evanilson (Bournemouth) |
Bournemouth were 2-0 up at half-time and never looked in danger. They are now unbeaten in six meetings with United and have now won three in a row, including the 3-0 win over AC Milan.
The Fernandes decision
Carrick made four changes and left captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench, days after the midfielder reportedly questioned his tactics following the 4-1 defeat at Como. United started with Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Maguire, Dalot; Andrey Santos, Baleba, Tielemans; Amad, Mount; Mbeumo. The gamble did not work.
The crowd
Supporters' anger was aimed mostly above the manager. Fans chanted for the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to sell the club and targeted director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, while largely backing Carrick. The players were booed.
What Carrick said
"I'm not expecting anything in particular, to be honest," Carrick said when asked whether he expected to be sacked. "I'm carrying on as normal and, you know, I love this place. I totally understand the situation. I always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club, whatever decision is made on anything really."
Read his defiant pre-match monologue in our earlier piece: "I'm not entitled to be here".
The numbers
- United have won two of their 12 games in all competitions this season.
- They have seven points from eight Premier League games and are 16th, one point above the relegation zone.
- United have had three permanent managers since October 2024.
Who could replace him?
Nothing is confirmed. Reports name Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte as leading candidates, while Brighton's Fabian Hürzeler has reportedly distanced himself from the job. United play Chelsea on 31 October.
See the Premier League table and our pre-match preview.
FAQ
What was the score in Man United vs Bournemouth? Bournemouth won 3-0 at Old Trafford on 25 October 2026, with goals from Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson.
Why did Bruno Fernandes not start? Carrick left him on the bench after Fernandes reportedly questioned the team's tactics following the defeat at Como.
Has Michael Carrick been sacked? Not as of Monday morning. Carrick said he is "carrying on as normal"; reports name Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte as possible replacements.
