Michael Carrick says Bruno Fernandes’ commitment to Manchester United is “undoubted” and insists the captain is “as good as ever” despite recent reports of tension between the pair.
Fernandes was dropped for October’s home defeat by Bournemouth after criticising Carrick and his coaching staff following Manchester United’s 4-1 Champions League loss in Como.
The Portugal international returned to the starting line-up for the Premier League defeat by Chelsea a week later before scoring a retaken penalty in Tuesday’s second-half comeback against Roma.
After that match, the 32-year-old said “a lot of lies” had been reported about his relationship with Carrick. Fernandes also dismissed suggestions that he and the manager had held “clear-the-air talks”, although the discussions had been confirmed by club sources.
Carrick said Fernandes’ conduct during the Roma match demonstrated his current state of mind.
“I think his actions, the way he’s played and how he dealt with even retaking the penalty and frame of mind he was in for that, tells [you] everything,” Carrick said.
“Bruno’s as good as ever.”
The Manchester United head coach declined to reveal details of his conversations with Fernandes after the Bournemouth defeat, but said regular discussions were normal at Carrington.
“There are always conversations, and bits going on,” he said. “It’s acknowledging when things are going well and what we need to improve on.
“Sometimes it’s individually, sometimes it’s [a] group. What’s actually said in that discussion, I’ll keep that to myself, but it’s pretty clear we’ve moved in a good direction.
“Bruno’s commitment is undoubted for me in terms of what he brings to this team and this club.”
United’s powerbrokers are expected to review the managerial situation after Sunday’s Premier League match against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Carrick accepts he does not know what will happen, but will be aware that Manchester United’s only victory in their past nine games came against Ipswich in August. He believes the win over Roma must mark the beginning of a recovery.
“While we can be really pleased with elements of the performance on Tuesday night, we must absolutely know there is so much more to come from our team,” he wrote in United’s matchday programme.
“We must be ready to show that we can back up Tuesday’s victory and begin to create the momentum to give ourselves something to build on after the international break.”
The pressure on Manchester United was increased by Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 victory over Manchester City. The result means Carrick’s side will spend the international break in the relegation zone unless they beat Aston Villa.
