Manchester United manager Michael Carrick was under intense pressure after his side slumped to a 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth on Sunday, extending their winless run to eight games in all competitions. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak continued his impressive scoring form as Liverpool defeated Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 at Anfield.
Carrick’s decision to leave captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench backfired as United suffered another setback, leaving them 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
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Bournemouth secured a convincing victory through goals from Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson, handing United their heaviest home defeat since 2024. The result also marked the third time in four seasons that Bournemouth had beaten United by a three-goal margin at Old Trafford.
Carrick Under Pressure at Manchester United
Carrick’s decision to omit Fernandes came after the midfielder had criticised the manager’s tactics following United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat against Como on Wednesday.
The United boss insisted that leaving out the previous season’s Premier League Player of the Year was a purely footballing decision. However, Fernandes remained on the substitutes’ bench throughout the match, prompting questions over the decision.
Bournemouth supporters taunted Carrick with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” as United struggled to respond.
The defeat has intensified concerns about the club’s decline since Alex Ferguson retired after leading United to their most recent English league title 13 years ago.
“It’s a tough situation. What is next? I don’t know,” Carrick said after the defeat.
“I’ll always do what’s best for this football club. I’ve said it all along; I don’t change that now.”
He added: “I love what I do. I love the responsibility, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
Carrick had enjoyed a strong finish to the previous season during his interim spell, helping United secure third place in the Premier League. However, the team have managed only one win against promoted Ipswich Town and collected seven points from their first eight league matches this season.
It is United’s lowest points tally at this stage of a league campaign since the 1986-87 season.
Players were booed off the pitch by frustrated supporters who remained inside Old Trafford at full-time. Co-owners the Glazer family and Jim Ratcliffe were also targeted by angry chants as dissatisfaction with the club’s direction continued to grow.
Isak Fires Liverpool to Victory Over Brighton
At Anfield, Liverpool secured a 2-0 win over Brighton after scoring twice in quick succession during the first half.
Pascal Gross put the ball into his own net before Swedish striker Alexander Isak added Liverpool’s second goal.
Isak has now scored six times in seven league games this season, including three goals in his last four appearances.
After a turbulent debut season following his acrimonious departure from Newcastle United, the striker is beginning to justify his reported £125 million transfer fee, equivalent to around $167 million.
The victory also marked a significant milestone for Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, who had failed to win any of his first three Premier League matches at Anfield following his arrival from Bournemouth in the close season.
Iraola, who had already secured Champions League and League Cup victories at the ground, has now guided Liverpool to four consecutive wins in all competitions since their damaging 3-0 home defeat against Manchester City.
Liverpool have climbed to fourth place in the Premier League, one point behind third-placed Brighton. The defeat was Brighton’s second league loss of the season.
Newcastle Increase Pressure on Crystal Palace
Elsewhere, Newcastle United defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park, increasing the pressure on Palace manager Pierre Sage.
William Osula and Harvey Barnes scored in the second half to secure the points for Newcastle.
Palace, who sit 17th in the standings, have won just twice in eight league games under Sage. The Frenchman arrived from RC Lens in the close season to replace Oliver Glasner.
The defeat followed Palace’s heavy 5-0 loss against rivals Brighton the previous weekend, adding to the pressure on the club’s management.
Hull Held by Brentford as Sunderland Draw with Leeds
Hull City extended their winless run to seven matches after drawing 1-1 with Brentford at the MKM Stadium.
Oli McBurnie gave Hull the lead from the penalty spot in the 24th minute after Aaron Hickey fouled Tim Iroegbunam. Brentford responded through Dango Ouattara, who equalised in the 63rd minute.
Meanwhile, Sunderland remained at the bottom of the table after a goalless draw against Leeds United at the Stadium of Light.
Sunday’s results brought contrasting fortunes across the Premier League, with Liverpool strengthening their position near the top while Manchester United’s struggles continued to raise questions about Carrick’s future.
