Manchester United manager Michael Carrick could make a controversial decision to drop Bruno Fernandes from the starting XI against Bournemouth.
The Red Devils welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford tomorrow, with the pressure mounting on Carrick to deliver a much-needed result.
Carrick faces several major selection dilemmas, but none could attract more attention than the decision over club captain Fernandes.
The 32-year-old blamed the coaching staff for their tactics after an embarrassing defeat to Como in midweek.
The United head coach has refused to rule out stripping Fernandes of the captaincy, fuelling speculation over whether the midfielder could face disciplinary action for his reported comments.
Removing the armband would be a major statement, but United could also consider suspending Fernandes for a match if the situation escalates.
Alternatively, Carrick could leave his captain on the bench based purely on his performances this season. However, we can say that about almost every other United player.
We believe Carrick could instead introduce a new 4-3-3 system against the Cherries in an attempt to restore balance.
Andrey Santos could anchor the midfield, with Youri Tielemans operating to his left and Carlos Baleba occupying the right-sided role.
Tielemans naturally favours the left-centre channel when deployed in midfield.
His lack of mobility and acceleration when defending could leave United vulnerable down the left, potentially prompting Carrick to deploy Diogo Dalot at left-back to provide additional cover.
Carlos Baleba would offer greater dynamism on the right side of midfield, giving Carrick the flexibility to choose between Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui at right-back.
The Bournemouth game could be pivotal for the Red Devils.
Carrick could lose his job if United drop points against Bournemouth, but the growing crisis should also raise serious questions about the accountability of the club’s hierarchy and its role in the team’s continued struggles.
Stats from Fotmob.com