EPL: Carrick benches Bruno Fernandes after Como outburst

Michael Carrick called his decision to leave Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench against Bournemouth a “pure football” choice, following Fernandes’s criticism of the team’s tactics in a 4-1 defeat to Como. United began the day 15th with seven points from seven league games and had gone seven matches without a win in all competitions. Carrick made four changes, while Fernandes had made limited impact this season apart from a hat-trick against Ipswich. Wayne Rooney accused the players of avoiding responsibility and shifting blame onto others.