Fernandes benched after public criticism of United tactics

MANCHESTER — Manchester United will face Bournemouth on Sunday without captain Bruno Fernandes in the starting lineup after manager Michael Carrick benched the midfielder for publicly criticising the club's tactics. Fernandes had voiced concerns about the team's tactical setup during midweek, prompting Carrick to make the disciplinary decision ahead of the home fixture. The Portuguese playmaker's demotion marks a significant development at Old Trafford, where Fernandes has been a key figure since his arrival at the club. Carrick's move signals a firm stance on squad discipline and internal communications, with the manager evidently preferring criticism to remain within team channels rather than aired publicly. The Bournemouth match will provide an early test of United's performance without their talismanic captain on the pitch, though Fernandes is expected to remain available from the bench.