Bruno Fernandes will not be disciplined for his post-match outburst after the 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como, but the bigger issue is what Michael Carrick does next. Manchester United are on a run of seven games without a win, and Carrick is due to speak in a news conference at 1330 BST to preview Manchester United vs Bournemouth.

The case for a hard line

Duncan Ferguson told BBC Sport that Carrick should leave Fernandes out, saying: "It is a big problem for Michael. Put people in the team you trust. Your captain has thrown you under the bus. If you don't think he is playing for you, get him out. I wouldn't pick him even though he is their best player."

Wayne Rooney took a similar view, warning that the row risks pulling the squad apart. Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "When Martinez came out, I said this is an absolute nightmare because it will rip the dressing room apart. That was the start. We've seen it now with Bruno and you're going to see it with more players because they don't want to take responsibility. I was in that situation [as manager at Plymouth and Birmingham City] and if I was in Carrick's position now, I'd come out fighting. There's no more Mr Nice Guy."

Joe Smith also argued that Fernandes should not start at the weekend.

Carrick's selection call

The harder line has support because United's form is already poor. They sit 13th in the Premier League with 7 points from 7 matches, have scored only 10 league goals and have not won in seven games. That leaves Carrick trying to steady the team before a home game against Bournemouth, who are 15th with 6 points.

Fernandes remains one of United's main attacking outlets, even with only 1 Premier League assist and 3 goals this season. The choice is less about whether he can be replaced for one match and more about whether Carrick wants to make a public point after a week of noise around the club.

The captain issue has not been settled yet, and that is why the 1330 BST news conference matters. Carrick can back Fernandes, sit him out, or leave the decision hanging until the final team sheet is in.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →