According to "Varzesh 3", Bruno Fernandes after the 4-1 defeat against Como had criticized Carrick's tactical approach. He had said the technical staff's decision not to press man-to-man and to have the team sit back gives more space to the opponents and gives them confidence.

Carrick, in reaction to these remarks, had said: "If you don't run, neither forward nor backward, you will not win."

The United head coach, at Friday's press conference, would not say whether Fernandes would be benched or whether he would take the captain's armband from him. However, before United's lineup was announced on Saturday afternoon, news arrived that Fernandes would not be in the starting lineup; a matter that was confirmed with the publication of the squad list.

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The 45-year-old Carrick, in response to a question about benching the team captain, said this decision had been difficult, but in order for the team to return after several poor results, Fernandes should not play from the start.

He said: "You have options to choose from, and decision-making is always difficult. We must take a decision that we think is right for the team, so that we reach the performance we want. This decision was taken purely for football reasons."

Carrick, regarding the selection of the team lineup, also added: "Yes, we have had several changes. When you have options to choose from, decision-making is always difficult. It is a tough match; they are a very good team and, in order to get the result we want, we must deliver our best performance. We will send out a lineup that we think is capable of doing this."

Fernandes had played the full 90 minutes in all seven of the first matches of Manchester United in the current Premier League season, but in his last five appearances in this competition he has neither scored a goal nor provided an assist.

Now it remains to be seen how the Red Devils will perform without him. At Old Trafford, they are looking to win all three points against Bournemouth, in front of fans whose patience is running out.

Source: Varzesh 3