Fernandes will stay as Man United captain, Carrick

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has said that Bruno Fernandes will keep being the club’s captain. Carrick believes that the Portuguese midfielder is dedicated to the team, even with recent issues over their performances.

Fernandes sat on the bench during United’s 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth on Sunday. This happened after he reportedly questioned Carrick’s tactics following a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League.

But the two men had a talk at the club’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday. They aimed to clear the air and fix their differences.

According to BBC Sport on Thursday, Carrick spoke before United’s Premier League match against Chelsea on Saturday. He brushed off any talk about Fernandes losing the captaincy.

“He’s an important player for this group. He has been and he will be,” Carrick said.

“He’s fully committed to this football club; he’s fully committed to making things better. There are absolutely no issues with that,” he added.

Carrick explained that his choice to leave Fernandes out of the starting line-up against Bournemouth was only based on what he felt was best for that game.

“It’s the one that’s led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he’ll continue to do that. There are absolutely no issues with that,” he said.

Meanwhile, Carrick has another chance to turn things around for United. The team has had a rough patch, and many are questioning his role as coach.

The Red Devils have not won in eight games. This is their worst stretch since the 2015-16 season. They risk tying a nine-match winless record that hasn’t happened since the 1988-89 season.

Despite the worries about his future, Carrick said he doesn’t need any promises from the club’s leaders.

“I don’t need any assurances from anyone,” he stated.

“I totally get the position. I understand the job. I understand the responsibilities. I understand what comes with that,” he added.

Carrick also said he was not surprised to still be in charge. He focused on improving the team’s performances.

“I’m here to do my job. I’m here to do the best for the team, and I’m desperate to make us better and improve things,” he said.

Now, United will look ahead to Saturday’s match against Chelsea. Carrick aims to lead the team back to winning, with Fernandes remaining as captain.