By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has confirmed Bruno Fernandes will remain club captain following clear-the-air talks between the pair.
The Portugal international criticized Carrick's tactics after a 4-1 defeat to Como last week and was omitted from the squad for Sunday's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, a decision Carrick described as purely football-related.
Carrick backs Fernandes as captain
Carrick handed the armband to former skipper Harry Maguire for the Bournemouth match but insisted Fernandes retains the captaincy. The 32-year-old is expected to return for Saturday's trip to Chelsea. "He's an important player for this group... He's fully committed to this football club," Carrick said.
Fernandes' form and appointment
Fernandes was appointed captain by Erik ten Hag in 2023 and won the PFA Player of the Year and Footballer of the Year awards last season, though he has now gone seven games without a goal.
Manager's position secure for now
Carrick's job came under threat after eight games without a win, but United's hierarchy decided to keep the 45-year-old in charge for the Chelsea fixture. Potential successors such as Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte were considered.
Team determined to recover
Carrick said the squad is hurting from the poor run but showing hunger to turn results around. "The boys are hungry... there's a disappointment, there's a hunger to do better," he added.
