Bruno Fernandes is expected to start as usual as Manchester United and Michael Carrick face a must-win game against Bournemouth this weekend.

Man Utd welcome the Cherries to Old Trafford on Sunday, seeking to clinch just their second Premier League victory of the season.

Despite the noise around Carrick’s future, Standard Sport understands he is set to remain in charge against Bournemouth and will conduct Friday’s pre-match press conference as usual.

He will be expected to provide updates on Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford and Ayden Heaven after they all missed out against Como, but may have a chance at returning on Sunday.

Kobbie Mainoo is still a week or so away from returning from a knock that has sidelined him since the 1-1 draw with Tottenham, joining Luke Shaw, Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton in the treatment room.

Boost: Leny Yoro is set to return for Manchester United after suspension

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In a boost for Carrick though, Leny Yoro is available again after serving a European ban. The Frenchman had started every game following the autumn international break and could earn an immediate recall, potentially partnering Harry Maguire in central defence after Matthijs de Ligt looked rusty on his first start in nearly a year.

United captain Fernandes was publicly critical of Carrick’s tactics in Italy, so may return to his natural No10 role after operating as a false nine against both Leeds and Como. He is not expected to be dropped or punished for his explosive comments in midweek.

Joshua Zirkzee could be rewarded with a rare Premier League start after scoring a consolation goal as a substitute on Wednesday night, with Matheus Cunha paying the price for an ineffective 45 minutes for which he was hauled off at the break.

Predicted Manchester United XI vs Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Baleba, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Amad; Zirkzee

Injured: Mainoo, Shaw, Sesko, Dorgu, Ugarte, Heaton

Doubts: Martinez, Heaven, Rashford

Time and date: 2pm GMT on Sunday October 25, 2026

Venue: Old Trafford

How to watch: Sky Sports