Michael Carrick drops Man United captain Bruno Fernandes after critical comments

Bruno Fernandes was dropped for Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. The club captain has been criticised for his midweek post-match rant in which he took aim at their tactics in the 4-1 defeat to Como. Fernandes publicly questioned the game plan from under-fire head coach Michael Carrick as United extended their winless run to seven. With United in desperate need of a win, the Portuguese international was left out the starting XI to host Bournemouth . It’s the first Premier League match that will not see him appear from the off this season. His 14 assists and 96 created chances is also the most of any player in Europe’s top five leagues since Carrick’s first match in January. Fernandes trained on Friday and Saturday, and remained available for selection for the match. He was still in the matchday squad, with Harry Maguire taking the armband, but was an unused substitute. Carrick confirmed that his decision to drop Fernandes was for ‘pure football’ reasons. What has Carrick said on Fernandes? Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Man United’s game with Bournemouth, Carrick confirmed why he left out the captain. “When you have options it’s always a difficult decision. We have to make the right one for today and the team to get that performance we want,” Carrick said. When asked whether Fernandes had been dropped for football or other reasons, he responded: “Pure football.” United have just one league win from seven matches this season, and a goal difference of zero. They are only a point above the bottom three as things stand, and defeat leaves them in a precarious position and likely spell the end of Carrick’s tenure as the head coach. Former Bournemouth and Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is understood to be preferred by technical director Jason Wilcox if a change is made. Wilcox also admires Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, although he is not interested in the job . Ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte would be open to taking over , but has insisted that he is not in talks with any club .