Manchester United Brighton
Manchester United Brighton
Manchester United welcome three defenders back into contention for Sunday afternoon Premier League meeting with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Manchester United coach Michael Carrick still faces several injury absences and questions over captain Bruno Fernandes. The Boss stayed tight-lipped on Bruno Fernandes before Sunday’s 2 pm clash with Bournemouth. Asked about the captain role, Carrick put the focus on the squad.
Man Utd
Man Utd prepare for Bournemouth after a Champions League trip to Como. [Image via BBC]
He said: “Most important for me is the team, first and foremost, the squad and the dynamics in the squad.”
Carrick added, “If I spoke to him or not, I do not think this is the time to go into that in much detail.”
On the injury front, the Reds still have a long list of absentees after Wednesday’s loss at Como. Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu, and Benjamin Sesko all miss out on Sunday. Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford also remain doubts after skipping the trip to Italy. Even so, Carrick gets a boost at the back with Leny Yoro returning from a ban.
Matthijs de Ligt also bolsters the defence after returning against Como in midweek. Meanwhile, Ayden Heaven has rejoined training after missing the Leeds and Como games with illness.
Carrick told MUTV, “Ayden is back with group, he was suffering from illness but is back around the group and then we will see what the next couple of days bring.”
He added that recovery is now mostly mental.
"It hurts an awful lot but it doesn't stop me" 🗣️ Michael Carrick is determined to turn things around at Manchester United as they look ahead to Sunday's clash with Bournemouth. pic.twitter.com/HSg07DYEnC
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 23, 2026
Bournemouth Team News Ahead Of Old Trafford Trip
Bournemouth visit Old Trafford full of belief after beating AC Milan 3-0 on Thursday. Boss Marco Rose plans to recall keeper Djordje Petrovic after resting him in midweek, while Alex Scott stays out. Eli Junior Kroupi could also feature after returning early from foot surgery.
Rose said: “It is the plan to take him with us to Manchester and to give him some minutes.”
Rose praised Kroupi’s attitude while noting that the club must manage his comeback carefully.
The Cherries boss said: “He has a good attitude and is a special player. We have to be careful with him, and he needs to take care on his next steps.”
🚨🎙️| Michael Carrick ahead of Manchester United vs Bournemouth:
On whether the dressing room is divided:
🗣️ “It's not divided.”
On whether everyone shares his belief:
🗣️ “I do, one hundred per cent. If you don't, this is not the place for you.”
On taking responsibility:
🗣️… pic.twitter.com/KMJWZfOkVo
— Limitless Football (@lmts_football) October 23, 2026
Elsewhere, Evanilson should be fine after a knock from Fikayo Tomori on Thursday. However, Alex Toth hurt his hamstring against Milan and misses out.