Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United’s 3-2 comeback against Roma was vital for the whole squad and coaching staff, rather than an attempt to protect manager Michael Carrick’s position.
United had gone into Tuesday’s Champions League league-phase fixture without a win in their previous nine matches in all competitions. That run had increased the pressure on Carrick, whose future was being questioned before the match.
Asked by Amazon Prime whether the victory had been needed to save the manager’s job, United captain Fernandes said: “No, we did not need to save anyone’s job. The club needed this win, the players needed it, and it was something we needed as a group of players and coaching staff.”
The Portugal international said the team had worked hard to emerge from a difficult period, while rejecting reports of problems between himself and the manager.
“We have made a great effort to get out of this situation,” he added, as reported by Sky Sports. “It was difficult, there was a lot of speculation in the media, and many lies were spread about various things that happened inside the club.
“But the situation between me and the manager was clear, and nothing that was being reported happened.”
Fernandes also addressed his omission from the starting line-up for United’s Premier League match against Bournemouth. He said the decision had been based on his performances, rather than a disagreement with Carrick.
“The manager decided to leave me out because I was not performing at the level required,” Fernandes said. “Everyone felt it was a punishment for what I had said,” referring to comments he made after the match against Como.
“If that was the case, it was the correct decision.”
The midfielder said he accepted that team selection was the manager’s responsibility and insisted the decision had not affected his belief in Carrick, the coaching staff or his team-mates.
“The manager makes the decisions, and I have to accept them and move forward based on them,” he said. “It does not change my belief in the manager, the coaching staff or any player at this club.”
Fernandes added that his ambition remained unchanged as United look to build on the result against Roma.
“It does not change my goal of winning every match that is ahead of me,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the comeback would mark a genuine change in the direction of United’s season.
“It should be a turning point,” Fernandes said.
Roma’s next listed fixture is against Sassuolo in Serie A on 07 November 2026. Manchester United are scheduled to face Aston Villa in the Premier League on 08 November 2026.
