Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has explained his decision to leave Bruno Fernandes out of the starting XI for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

Fernandes began the crucial fixture on the bench after reportedly criticising Carrick’s tactics during United’s 4–1 defeat to Como. Speaking before kick-off, Carrick acknowledged that selecting the team was difficult but said he had chosen the lineup he believed would deliver the desired performance.

Asked specifically why Fernandes had been dropped, Carrick offered a brief response: “Pure football.”

The decision comes as United attempt to end a miserable run of seven matches without a victory. With pressure mounting on the club, Carrick will hope his selection changes can inspire a much-needed result against Bournemouth.

According to Forbes, Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo remains the highest-paid footballer in the world.

The 41-year-old Portuguese forward is estimated to earn more than twice as much as Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi. Ronaldo tops the list with projected earnings of $300 million, compared with Messi’s $145 million.

Forbes’ estimates include salaries, bonuses and commercial income, calculated before taxes and agents’ fees:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo — $300m ($250m on-field, $50m off-field)
2. Lionel Messi — $145m ($70m on-field, $75m off-field)
3. Kylian Mbappé — $100m ($70m on-field, $30m off-field)
4. Erling Haaland — $85m ($60m on-field, $25m off-field)
5. Vinícius Júnior — $76m ($48m on-field, $28m off-field)
6. Lamine Yamal — $55m ($35m on-field, $20m off-field)
7. Sadio Mané — $54m ($50m on-field, $4m off-field)
8. Jude Bellingham — $45m ($29m on-field, $16m off-field)
9. Harry Kane — $42m ($29m on-field, $13m off-field)
10. Mohamed Salah (Trabzonspor) — $40m ($20m on-field, $20m off-field)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Portugal has been thrown into uncertainty after his sister, Elma Aveiro, suggested that he may not represent the national team again.

Ronaldo was suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation after reportedly leaving the team camp during the UEFA Nations League. The Al Nassr forward was said to be angry with head coach Jorge Jesus after remaining on the bench during Portugal’s match against Croatia.

The dispute escalated when Ronaldo accused Jesus of “betrayal.” Aveiro has now indicated that the disagreement may be difficult to resolve.

Asked whether Ronaldo would return to the national team, she replied: “It’s more likely a NO than a YES. I think they’re both hurt. The situation has stalled.”

She added: “When we’re betrayed, it’s very difficult to go back to normal.”

The comments have raised further questions about whether Portugal’s captain has made his final international appearance.