According to a report by the Evening Standard on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes will not face disciplinary action for his public criticism of Michael Carrick following the club’s heavy Champions League defeat to Como.

The report, citing the BBC, states that Fernandes will retain the captain’s armband ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth, despite expressing his frustration with the tactical approach adopted during Wednesday’s 4-1 loss.

Fernandes was substituted in the second half with United trailing 3-0. The midfielder appeared visibly frustrated from the bench as Como extended their advantage before Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation goal for the English side.

Following the match, the Portugal international questioned United’s approach to pressing and their inability to prevent Como from building attacks through midfield.

He explained that conceding an early goal had affected the team’s confidence and made it difficult for the players to recover their composure. Fernandes also argued that United needed to apply greater pressure on their opponents rather than allow them sufficient time and space to dictate the game.

The midfielder maintained that the decision to avoid consistent man-to-man pressing belonged to Carrick and his coaching staff. He believed a more aggressive approach could have disrupted Como’s passing combinations and prevented the Italian side from exploiting spaces across the pitch.

Fernandes’ remarks made him the second senior United player to publicly express dissatisfaction following a Champions League defeat, after Lisandro Martinez criticised aspects of the club’s transfer business and subsequently apologised.

Despite disappointment within Old Trafford over some of Fernandes’ comments, the report indicates that the club understands his frustration given the disappointing nature of the performance. Consequently, United have decided against punishing their captain.

However, Fernandes’ involvement in Sunday’s match remains uncertain, with Carrick yet to determine whether the midfielder will feature against Bournemouth.

The United head coach responded to the criticism by defending aspects of his tactical approach, pointing out that the team had attempted to press Como more aggressively after the interval.

Carrick also stressed the importance of the players’ work rate, arguing that a team cannot expect to win matches if its players fail to make the necessary runs both forward and defensively.

The disagreement comes at a difficult time for United, with Carrick facing increasing scrutiny following the defeat. Sunday’s encounter against Bournemouth could prove important as the club attempts to recover from its disappointing European campaign and restore confidence within the squad.