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Bruno Fernandes has kept the Manchester United captaincy after his clear-the-air talks with manager Michael Carrick.
The Portugal international criticised Carrick and his tactics after United’s 4-1 defeat to Como last week and was then left out of the team for Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, with the manager claiming it was a “pure football” decision – even though he then brought on four other players as substitutes while ignoring Fernandes.
But while Carrick gave the armband to former skipper Harry Maguire last week, he is adamant Fernandes remains captain, with the 32-year-old expected to return to the team for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.
“He's an important player for this group,” said Carrick. “He has been and he will be. Between us, we've got to make a difference and we've got to push things in a good direction.
“He's fully committed to this football club, he's fully committed to making things better. It doesn't change for me. He's the one that's kind of led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he'll continue to do that.”
Fernandes was described as being back to the best version of himself in training earlier this week and spoke to Carrick individually.
Carrick said there was no decision to be made on keeping Fernandes as captain and gave the midfielder his full backing.
“He’s the captain of our football club. There are different personalities, different characters, different ways to lead,” Carrick said.
“It all comes down to what happens on the football pitch and whether you win or not. Questions get asked, I understand, but he cares deeply about this club and the team. He’s desperate to do well.”
Fernandes, who was appointed captain by Erik ten Hag in 2023, won the PFA Player of the Year and Footballer of the Year awards last season but has now gone seven games without a goal.
Carrick also insisted he is not surprised he was not sacked as manager this week and has insisted he does not any assurances from the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Carrick’s job has come under threat after a run of eight games without a win, culminating in heavy defeats to Como and Bournemouth.
But while the United powerbrokers held talks this week, they decided to keep the 45-year-old in his post for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea as they opted to give him the chance to turn their fortunes around.
They could consider the cases of Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte if they dismiss Carrick but have allowed the former Middlesbrough manager the opportunity to get United back to winning ways.
And Carrick claims his team are disappointed after their slump and determined to put things right.
“I have to say, the boys are hungry,” he said. “We're hurting because we haven't won enough football games, but there's an intensity, there's a bit of an edge, there's a disappointment, there's a hunger to do better, for sure.”