Bruno Fernandes is expected to start as usual when Manchester United host Bournemouth on Sunday, with manager Michael Carrick under pressure after a seven-game winless run across all competitions.
United welcome the Cherries to Old Trafford seeking just their second Premier League victory of the season. The 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League in midweek extended their poor run and increased scrutiny on Carrick's position.
Carrick Set to Remain in Charge
Despite the noise around Carrick's future, Standard Sport understands he is set to remain in charge against Bournemouth and will conduct Friday's pre-match press conference as usual.
He is expected to provide updates on Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford and Ayden Heaven after they all missed the Como defeat, though they may return on Sunday.
Team News and Injury Updates
Kobbie Mainoo remains about a week away from returning from a knock that has sidelined him since the 1-1 draw with Tottenham. He joins Luke Shaw, Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton in the treatment room.
In a boost for Carrick, Leny Yoro is available again after serving a European ban. The Frenchman had started every game following the autumn international break and could earn an immediate recall, potentially partnering Harry Maguire in central defence after Matthijs de Ligt looked rusty on his first start in nearly a year.
Fernandes Role and Predicted Lineup
Captain Fernandes was publicly critical of Carrick's tactics in Italy, so may return to his natural No10 role after operating as a false nine against both Leeds and Como. He is not expected to be dropped or punished for his comments.
Joshua Zirkzee could be rewarded with a rare Premier League start after scoring a consolation goal as a substitute on Wednesday night, with Matheus Cunha paying the price for an ineffective 45 minutes for which he was hauled off at the break.
Predicted Manchester United XI vs Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Baleba, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Amad; Zirkzee
Injured: Mainoo, Shaw, Sesko, Dorgu, Ugarte, Heaton. Doubts: Martinez, Heaven, Rashford.
The match kicks off at 2pm GMT on Sunday October 25, 2026 at Old Trafford, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
