For the first time in a long, long time, Bruno Fernandes was an unused substitute for Manchester United as they lost 3-0 to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. 

Michael Carrick claimed the decision was purely down to "football reasons", though it is difficult not to read more into it after Fernandes' post-match comments in Como. 

The Manchester United club captain criticised Carrick's tactical decisions after the 4-1 defeat, just a week after Lisandro Martínez directed comments at Jason Wilcox and the board. 

"It’s a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave a bit of space in behind and then try to get the ball in the first moment to wait for them, to give them the ball," Fernandes told TNT Sports. 

When asked if Michael Carrick had made a mistake, Fernandes said: "That’s on the manager and staff to see it, not me."

Bruno Fernandes has been named on the bench for Manchester United before, but it is very rare that he doesn't come on, especially when they are chasing the game. But that was exactly what happened on Sunday afternoon. 

For many, they could see that as the end of his career at Old Trafford, though Paul Scholes believes his comments in Italy were "unforgivable". 

"What Bruno Fernandes said last week, I think that’s unforgivable," Scholes said on The Good, The Bad, and The Football podcast. 

"How can Bruno Fernandes be trusted to be captain of any team he ever goes to now? 

"I think he probably needs to get away from European football and just go to Saudi, just get out the way." 

Scholes feels Fernandes' actions are so "unforgivable" that it will be difficult for any manager to forgive him. 

He said: "I don’t think any manager, any member of staff can trust him after that." 

Nicky Butt, who podcasts with Scholes and has worked at Manchester United since the end of his playing career, said: "We sing his praises for his abilities he’s been the only player [that's been good enough] for the last 12, 13 years that’s gone." 

AC Milan have already been linked with a move for Bruno Fernandes, with Rúben Amorim said to be keen on a reunion with the Portuguese international. The Italian side have also been linked with Leny Yoro. 

Fernandes has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in the past, but opted to stay at Old Trafford. 

His current deal expires next summer, though Manchester United will have the option to extend his contract by another 12 months. 

January transfers have not been commonplace at Old Trafford, but Fernandes could push for a move if he wants to steer clear of playing under a ninth manager since moving to United in 2020. 

Michael Carrick has taken training on Tuesday morning, though there have been heavy links to former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte, former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, and former RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann. 

Carrick will remain in charge until a deal for a successor has been finalised, but Jason Wilcox will want to be quick in his next appointment, given United's poor form to start the campaign. 

Manchester United return to action on Saturday afternoon, as they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Xabi Alonso's Chelsea side.