Manchester United suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in Premier League Round 8, extending their winless run in all competitions to eight games. United captain Bruno Fernandes remained on the bench for the entire match and was not brought on.

Following United’s heavy defeat in the Champions League last time out, Fernandes openly criticised the coaching staff in an interview. He said the decision not to use man-marking pressing came from the coaching staff, adding that giving opponents space allows them to play with confidence. He believes United should be braver in pressing higher up the pitch and be willing to take risks. Asked whether Michael Carrick’s tactical setup was flawed, Fernandes replied: “That is something for the head coach and coaching staff to analyse. It is not for me to say.”

Carrick responded at his press conference by explaining that United had used man-marking pressing in the second half and conceded a goal as a result. He stressed that regardless of the system or tactics employed, the team cannot win if players fail to run, make forward runs or track back.

Fernandes joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in January 2020 for a transfer fee of €65 million. He is now in his eighth season at Old Trafford and has made 338 appearances for the club, scoring 111 goals and providing 108 assists. He has won both the FA Cup and the League Cup with United.

Last season, Fernandes recorded nine goals and 22 assists in 35 Premier League appearances, setting a new club single-season assist record and being named Premier League Player of the Season. However, his performances have dipped this campaign. He has registered four goals and one assist in 11 appearances. Across his last seven appearances for United, he has played a total of 513 minutes without scoring or providing an assist.

The 32-year-old currently earns £320,000 per week, with his existing contract set to expire in June 2027. Manchester United hold an option to extend his deal by one year, which would keep him at the club until the summer of 2028. According to Fabrizio Romano earlier this month, negotiations over a new contract have begun, but no agreement has been reached. English media reports suggest that talks over Fernandes’ renewal have reached a stalemate.