According to a report by GOAL on Friday October 23, 2026, Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has refused to guarantee Bruno Fernandes' place in the starting line-up or his future as club captain following the midfielder's public criticism of the team's tactics after their humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como.

The Portuguese international expressed his frustration after the Champions League encounter, questioning the tactical decisions made by Carrick and his coaching staff during the disappointing performance.

Fernandes revealed that United had decided against pressing Como man-for-man, suggesting that the approach contributed to their heavy defeat.

His comments have raised questions about the relationship between the captain and his manager, with Carrick now facing calls to address the situation ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Carrick was asked whether he would consider dropping Fernandes or stripping him of the captaincy.

However, the United boss avoided giving a direct answer, instead insisting that the club's interests would always come first.

"The most important thing for me is the team, first and foremost," Carrick said, as quoted by ESPN.

"It's the squad, it's the dynamics in the squad. And again, it's about the football club. And I'll always do what's best for the football club."

Carrick also declined to reveal whether he had spoken privately with Fernandes about his comments following the defeat.

"I'm just saying I'll always, whatever the situation is, I'll always do what's best for the football club. If I've spoken to him or haven't spoken to him, I don't think this is the time to go into too much detail," he added.

The controversy comes at a difficult time for Manchester United, who have endured a disappointing run of results and are facing increasing scrutiny over their performances under Carrick.

Fernandes is also not the first United player to publicly express frustration with the club's leadership in recent weeks. Defender Lisandro Martinez previously criticised director of football Jason Wilcox and the club's board, prompting further questions about the atmosphere behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

However, Carrick firmly rejected suggestions that the squad had become divided following the recent incidents.

"It's not divided, no, it's not divided," the manager insisted.

He added that the team needed to move forward in the right direction and rediscover the performances expected of Manchester United.

The Red Devils will now turn their attention to Bournemouth, with Sunday's encounter offering an opportunity to respond to their European disappointment.

Fernandes' status will be one of the major talking points ahead of the match, given his importance to the team and his position as captain.

Carrick has yet to confirm whether the midfielder will retain his place in the starting line-up or face any consequences for his public criticism.