Manchester United sits captain Fernandes after criticism of coach

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Bruno Fernandes has been left out of the Manchester United team to face Bournemouth after his public criticism of head coach Michael Carrick.

The Portuguese midfielder was named on the bench for the visit of Marco Rose’s side to Old Trafford on Sunday. Harry Maguire was named captain in his absence.

Fernandes was critical of Carrick’s tactical approach during the 4-1 defeat to Como on Wednesday.

He hinted he was disappointed with instructions to not press Como. When the comments were put to Carrick, he hit back by saying: “If you don’t run, and you don’t run forward, and you don’t run back, you aren’t going to win.”

Carrick told Sky Sports after naming Fernandes on the bench that his team selection was “pure football.”

He added: “It’s always a difficult decision. We have to make what we feel is the right one for the team to get the performance that we want.”

Carrick confirmed Lisandro Martínez wasn’t fit enough to start.

Bruno Fernandes was benched against Bournemouth. Getty

Asked at a news conference on Friday whether he would consider dropping Fernandes against Bournemouth, Carrick refused to answer and said only that he would “do what’s best for the football club.”

Martínez escaped a similar punishment after his public criticism of director of football Jason Wilcox and the board.

Martínez issued an apology, received a fine but started the next game against Leeds United before going off at halftime with an injury.

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Source: www.espn.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.