Bruno Fernandes returns to Man United team for loss at Chelsea a week after being dropped by Carrick

LONDON (AP) — Bruno Fernandes was restored to Manchester United’s team for the 2-0 loss to Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, a week after being dropped following criticism of under-pressure manager Michael Carrick’s tactics.

The Portugal star played the full game at Stamford Bridge and retained the captaincy, which Carrick confirmed in his pre-match news conference Thursday while also saying Fernandes was “fully committed” to United.

Fernandes — the player of the year in English soccer last season — was named among the replacements for the embarrassing 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth on Sunday, days after critical comments about how Carrick set up the team in a 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League.

Fernandes never made it onto the field despite being sent out to warm up and Carrick making four second-half substitutions.

“He cares deeply about this football club and the team and he’s desperate to do well,” Carrick said about Fernandes on Thursday, “so we will lead that together.”

Bruno Fernandes returns to Man United team for loss at Chelsea a week after being dropped by Carrick | iNFOnews.ca
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, right, challenges for the ball with Chelsea’s Morgan Rogers during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United in London, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
Bruno Fernandes returns to Man United team for loss at Chelsea a week after being dropped by Carrick | iNFOnews.ca
Manchester United’s head coach Michael Carrick applauds to supporters as Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes passes ahead of the start of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Bournemouth in Manchester, England, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

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