Michael Carrick denies farewell message after Manchester United suffer heavy Bournemouth defeat

Michael Carrick said his gesture towards the Manchester United supporters after the 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth was not a farewell, while defending Leny Yoro after a difficult afternoon at Old Trafford.

Bournemouth secured a convincing Premier League victory in the eighth round of the season, with goals from Ryan Vitor, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson. The result extended Manchester United’s winless run to eight matches in all competitions.

Carrick rejected the suggestion that his wave to the home fans indicated he was preparing to leave the club.

“It was not a farewell wave from me,” he told Sky Sports. “My emotions are mixed because I understand what the players are going through. They are having a difficult period at the moment.”

He added: “There are things we can help them with and other things that develop according to the circumstances. The players are struggling at the moment.”

Carrick also offered support to Yoro, who slipped during a Bournemouth attack, while questioning the free-kick awarded against Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven for another goal.

“Leny Yoro slipped for one of the goals, while the free-kick given against Ayden Heaven for another was debatable,” Carrick said.

“I did not think there was a player close enough to him for a free-kick to be awarded. Yoro’s slip was unfortunate. He is a talented player with a big future, and he is frustrated about what happened today, but he should not feel that way. Mistakes happen. In fact, it was not really a mistake; it was simply a slip.”

Carrick acknowledged the effect of the result on the squad and said the occasion had been particularly painful given the stature of the club.

“It was a difficult day for the players. We came into the match affected to some extent, and that was visible on the pitch,” he said. “They kept trying, but they are disappointed and hurt. I can see how much it has affected them, and it is not a good feeling to see the disappointment on their faces.”

“It is difficult to go through a day like this at a club such as Manchester United and feel all these emotions because of what happened. It is not about me personally; it is about the club. The emotions were extremely mixed today.”

Asked why Bruno Fernandes had been left on the bench, Carrick said: “There are always decisions you have to make to try to change the course of a game and make a difference. Those were the decisions we made today.”

Carrick said he did not know what would happen next but remained committed to Manchester United.

“I will always do my best for the club, and that will not change now,” he said. “I love my job and understand the responsibility. We have to wait and see what happens.”

The defeat left Manchester United with seven points from eight Premier League matches, their lowest total at this stage since 1986-87, when they had four.

Bournemouth moved to nine points in 13th place, while Manchester United remained on seven points in 13th. Bournemouth are now unbeaten in their past seven matches against United, recording three wins and four draws.

Bournemouth have led Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League on three occasions, also doing so in December 2023 and December 2024. Only Liverpool and Manchester City have achieved the feat more often.

Tavernier has now contributed directly to five Premier League goals at Old Trafford, scoring twice and providing three assists. Among English players, only Harry Kane and Steven Gerrard have more, with six each.