Manchester United’s struggles continued on Sunday as a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth extended their winless streak across all competitions to eight matches.
The Red Devils have recorded three draws and five defeats during the disappointing run, leaving head coach Michael Carrick under increasing pressure. While some supporters showed sympathy for the manager after the Bournemouth loss, players were booed as they headed towards the tunnel at Old Trafford.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, maintained their impressive form, recording a fourth consecutive victory. The Cherries had previously beaten Sturm Graz 3-0 in the Europa League, defeated Sunderland 2-0 at home and secured another 3-0 win over AC Milan last Thursday.
United’s most recent victory came on September 10, when they defeated Azerbaijan’s Sabah FK at home in the Champions League.
Their struggles have also extended to the Premier League, where they lost 1-0 to Manchester City and drew 1-1 against Fulham, Tottenham and Leeds. They were also beaten 3-2 by Brighton in the League Cup before suffering Champions League defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como, losing 4-1 to the latter before Sunday’s setback.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was absent from the starting line-up against Bournemouth, with Carrick leaving the midfielder on the bench before opting not to introduce him throughout the match.
It was the first time this Premier League season that Fernandes had been named among the substitutes. His previous appearance as a substitute came on May 4, 2025, during a 4-3 defeat to Brentford.
Fernandes had criticised United’s tactical approach following their humiliating 4-1 Champions League loss to Como last week.
Speaking to TNT Sports on Wednesday, he questioned the decision not to apply aggressive man-to-man pressing, arguing that the strategy allowed Como to dominate possession and build confidence.
“It’s a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, but sometimes when you give too much of the ball to these teams, they get confidence,” Fernandes said.
