My MC grabbed one more and will sit the next one out. He also had a goal and two assists and MOM. It's like he heard that I was considering replacing him. It was also the league match where I decided to counter with a 3-5-2 flat formation that I had never used before (and which my Mourinho uses currently, not sure if it's always the same). Well, the two top rated (55Q 6*) MCs shined for the first time, grabbing goals and assists (and, of course, a YC). 4:2 away win.
Too bad for them I had already bid (and subsequently won) a 19 yo 54Q 5* fast trainer -- who is now sitting unsigned until I free the spot. I'll see if I can mold him into a superstar. Give him maybe passing and an ML rather than let him progress to 6*.
But yeah, good to know that this thing is (somewhat) common and explainable. Thanks!