By Sachit Subba • Football • Oct 26, 2026 03:36 AM • 149 views
MANCHESTER — Michael Carrick's position as United manager is hanging by a thread following Bournemouth's 3-0 demolition of his side at Old Trafford, while Liverpool ended their Anfield hoodoo with a 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Carrick made a decision, benching captain Fernandes, who publicly criticised the manager's tactics in the week. That decision backfired completely. Bournemouth took the lead in the 38th minute via Rayan, before Marcus Tavernier put them 2 up before the interval. Evanilson then scored a superb goal in the second half to make it 3-0, and the frustrated home fans were well and truly on their way out. United couldn't muster a meaningful response, with regular starter and captain Fernandes left unused on the bench as the final whistle blew and boos filled the stadium.
The result showed Man Utd 16th in the Premier League on seven points, just one point above the drop zone, with no league win since 30th August. Carrick spoke after the final whistle about the uncertainty around his future, saying he loved the responsibility but didn't know what the next step would be. Stand-in captain Harry Maguire said the team needed to look at themselves and that the players simply aren't performing to the required standard.
At Anfield Liverpool were dominant in the first half and it was enough to secure Brighton's first league loss in five games. Wirtz got the opener in the 17th minute with a drive that went in off Brighton defender Gross. Barcola set up Isak four minutes later and the striker finished calmly for his third consecutive league appearance. Liverpool were in complete control of the second half and it was enough to earn them their first home win of the league season.
Liverpool's victory sees them move up to fourth with 15 points, one point behind third placed Brighton. Man City remain top of the table on 21 points following their first points drop of the season in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa, with Arsenal in second on goal difference. The other Premier League games on Sunday saw Newcastle United pick up a 2-0 victory away at Crystal Palace, Hull City draw 1-1 with Brentford and Sunderland end in a 0-0 draw with Leeds United.
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