Manchester United manager Michael Carrick came under increased pressure on Sunday after his side suffered a humiliating 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford, extending their winless run to eight matches.
Carrick’s decision to leave captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench failed to produce the desired response as United delivered another disappointing performance in front of their home supporters.
The defeat followed Wednesday’s 4-1 loss away to Como, which extended United’s winless streak to seven games.
Fernandes’ earlier comments about the team had also attracted criticism, with former United defender Gary Neville describing them as “a direct attack on the manager” and his tactics.
Bournemouth took control of the contest in the first half, with Rayan opening the scoring in the 38th minute.
The forward volleyed home at the far post after Justin Kluivert delivered a free-kick into the United penalty area.
The set-piece came after Ayden Heaven committed a reckless challenge.
The visitors doubled their advantage five minutes later when Marcus Tavernier capitalised on a mistake by Leny Yoro to slot the ball past United’s goalkeeper.
The goal sparked boos from the home crowd, while Bournemouth supporters increased the pressure on Carrick with chants of ‘sacked in the morning’.
United’s situation worsened after the break as Carrick introduced Matheus Cunha in place of Youri Tielemans, hoping to change the course of the match.
However, the hosts struggled to find a way back, with Evanilson having a goal ruled out before Rayan missed another opportunity following a defensive error by Heaven.
Carrick subsequently brought on Lisandro Martinez for Heaven, but the change did little to improve United’s performance.
Evanilson eventually scored Bournemouth’s third in the 71st minute after beating goalkeeper Senne Lammens to the ball and finishing superbly. Fernandes remained on the bench for the remainder of the match.
The result lifted Bournemouth’s confidence, with Marco Rose’s side recording consecutive victories and their fourth win in all competitions.
United, meanwhile, remained 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone, after failing to win any of their last eight matches.
United supporters expressed their frustration by directing chants at the Glazer family, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox.
Although fans sang Carrick’s name as he walked towards the tunnel, they subsequently booed the players, leaving the manager facing growing uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford.
