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Manchester United suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth and with that, their winless run has been extended to eight games.
Manchester United players leave the pitch after defeat to Bournemouth. (AP Photo)
Manchester United’s season hit a new low after a damaging 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford against Bournemouth intensified speculation over Michael Carrick’s future. Meanwhile, Liverpool continued their upward trajectory, with Alexander Isak finding the net again in a 2-0 victory over Brighton on Sunday.
United’s latest setback, after keeping captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench, extended their winless streak to eight matches in all competitions, leaving them 16th in the Premier League, just a point clear of the relegation zone. Bournemouth secured their third three-goal-margin victory at Old Trafford in four seasons, with Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson scoring to give Marco Rose’s team a deserved triumph.
Fernandes had questioned Carrick’s approach following United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como on Wednesday.
Although the manager insisted his decision to omit the Portuguese midfielder, last season’s Premier League Player of the Year, was “purely football” driven, Fernandes remained an unused substitute throughout the contest.
Bournemouth supporters mocked Carrick with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning”.
However, another managerial dismissal may do little to solve United’s deeper problems following their dramatic decline since Alex Ferguson retired after delivering the club’s last English title 13 years ago.
“It’s a tough situation. What is next? I don’t know,” Carrick admitted after United’s winless run reached eight games. “I’ll always do what’s best for this football club. I’ve said it all along, I don’t change that now. I love what I do. I love the responsibility, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
Carrick had guided United to third place during his interim spell last season, but their current form has been alarming. With only one win against promoted Ipswich, they have collected seven points from eight league fixtures, their worst return at this stage since 1986-87.
Frustrated supporters booed the team off after United suffered their heaviest home defeat since 2024. Co-owners the Glazer family and Jim Ratcliffe also faced angry chants, while Carrick escaped much of the direct criticism. Nevertheless, fan sympathy might not protect the former United midfielder from dismissal.
Liverpool scored twice in quick succession during the opening half at Anfield, benefiting from Pascal Gross’s own goal before Isak added another. The Sweden international has scored six goals in seven league appearances this season, including three in his last four matches. After a difficult first campaign following his acrimonious Newcastle exit, the striker is beginning to justify his £125 million ($167 million) price tag.
Reds boss Andoni Iraola celebrated his first Premier League victory at Anfield after arriving from Bournemouth in the close season. Liverpool have now won four consecutive matches across all competitions following their painful 3-0 home defeat against Manchester City.
The result lifted Liverpool to fourth, one point behind third-placed Brighton, who suffered their second league defeat of the campaign.
Elsewhere, William Osula and Harvey Barnes struck after half-time to give Newcastle a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, increasing the pressure on manager Pierre Sage. Palace, 17th, have managed only two victories in eight league matches under Sage, who replaced Oliver Glasner after joining from Lens.
Hull extended their winless run to seven games after drawing 1-1 with Brentford. Oli McBurnie converted a 24th-minute penalty following Aaron Hickey’s foul on Tim Iroegbunam, before Dango Ouattara levelled in the 63rd minute.
Sunderland remained bottom after playing out a goalless draw against Leeds at the Stadium of Light.
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Ask News18Manchester United suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat at home against Bournemouth, which extended their winless streak to eight matches in all competitions and left them 16th in the Premier League.
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Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
October 26, 2026, 08:35 IST
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