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Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has reaffirmed Bruno Fernandes’ position as club captain, insisting that the Portuguese midfielder remains committed to the team despite recent tensions over performances and tactics.
Fernandes was dropped to the bench for United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday after reportedly questioning Carrick’s tactics following a 4-1 Champions League loss to Como.
The pair subsequently held talks at the club’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday in a bid to resolve their differences and restore harmony within the team.
Speaking ahead of United’s Premier League clash with Chelsea on Saturday, Carrick dismissed suggestions that Fernandes could lose the captaincy.
“He’s an important player for this group. He has been and he will be,” the manager said.
“He’s fully committed to this football club; he’s fully committed to making things better. There are absolutely no issues with that.”
Carrick explained that his decision to leave Fernandes out of the starting line-up against Bournemouth was based on what he considered best for the team in that particular match.
He also expressed confidence in the midfielder’s leadership, saying Fernandes had led the team effectively over the years and would continue to do so.
Meanwhile, Carrick is under pressure to improve United’s fortunes following a disappointing run of results that has raised questions about his future at the club.
United have gone eight games without a win, their worst run since the 2015-16 season, and are in danger of recording nine consecutive winless matches for the first time since the 1988-89 campaign.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding his position, Carrick said he did not need assurances from the club’s hierarchy.
“I don’t need any assurances from anyone,” he said.
“I totally get the position. I understand the job. I understand the responsibilities. I understand what comes with that.”
The United boss added that his priority remained improving the team’s performances rather than worrying about speculation over his future.
“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.
United will face Chelsea on Saturday, with Carrick hoping to end the team’s winless run while retaining Fernandes as captain.
