According to a report by Metro on Thursday, October 22, 2026, former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson has urged Manchester United manager Michael Carrick to drop Bruno Fernandes for Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth following the midfielder's public criticism of the team's tactics.

Ferguson believes Fernandes acted wrongly by questioning Carrick's approach after United suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The result marked United's heaviest defeat in the competition since their 4-0 loss to Barcelona in November 1994. It also extended their winless run in all competitions to seven matches, increasing the pressure on Carrick ahead of the Bournemouth fixture at Old Trafford.

Fernandes expressed frustration with United's tactical approach after being substituted during the Como encounter, questioning the decision not to press opponents more aggressively. His comments followed similar criticism from Lisandro Martinez, who previously voiced concerns about the club's summer transfer business.

Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Ferguson argued that players should not publicly challenge their manager's tactical decisions and insisted Carrick must prioritise loyalty and commitment when selecting his team.

The former Scotland international believes the United boss should leave out players he cannot trust, regardless of their reputation or status within the squad.

Ferguson also warned that Carrick risks losing his position if he fails to improve results, arguing that the manager must demonstrate authority during the club's difficult period.

He suggested that Fernandes' comments amounted to a public challenge to Carrick's leadership and that the midfielder should be dropped if the manager believes he is no longer fully committed to the team's objectives.

Ferguson extended his criticism to Martinez, insisting that players who undermine their manager should not automatically retain their places in the starting lineup.

The former striker also questioned whether Manchester United should have sold Fernandes last summer when his performances were stronger. Although he stopped short of suggesting the midfielder's career at the highest level was over, he argued that clubs must recognise the right moment to sell players when tensions begin to affect the team.

Fernandes enjoyed an impressive campaign under Carrick last season but has now gone seven matches without a goal involvement in all competitions, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his recent performances.

Carrick must now decide whether to retain his captain for Sunday's encounter or make changes as United attempt to end their disappointing run.

With the manager under increasing pressure and disagreements emerging among senior players, the Bournemouth match could prove significant for United's efforts to restore stability and confidence.