Carrick stays in charge for Bournemouth as United weigh crisis after Como defeat

Published Thursday, October 22, 2026.

Michael Carrick will remain Manchester United’s head coach for Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth, but the club’s concern over the team’s form has grown sharply after its 4-1 Champions League loss to Como.

The defeat extended United’s winless run to seven matches, according to the report, and revived doubts that had eased after improved displays against Atletico Madrid and Leeds United. There is no decision yet on Carrick’s future beyond Sunday, but the Bournemouth fixture is seen inside and outside Old Trafford as potentially pivotal.

People at the club regarded Wednesday’s performance as unacceptable, while there is also sympathy for Carrick because of the team’s injury problems. The report says United’s hierarchy nevertheless believes the squad is stronger than the one that finished third in the Premier League last season and expects better results.

Fernandes likely to keep captaincy

Bruno Fernandes is not expected to be stripped of the captaincy or disciplined after criticising the coaching staff and tactics following the Como defeat. The report describes club officials as disappointed by his comments but says they broadly understand his frustration at the performance.

Fernandes’ criticism drew public rebukes from former professionals, including Jamie Carragher. Carrick, responding after the match, said: “If you don’t run back, you ain’t going to win.”

Lisandro Martinez had also questioned whether United’s squad is strong enough to compete at the highest level, directing his criticism at the club hierarchy rather than Carrick. United host Bournemouth on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.