'Bruno's as good as ever' - Carrick backs Man Utd captain
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says captain Bruno Fernandes' commitment to the club is "undoubted" and the midfielder is "as good as ever".
Key points
- Carrick said Fernandes' commitment to United is undoubted and the midfielder is as good as ever.
- Fernandes was benched for the Bournemouth loss after criticising Carrick and his staff.
- United will be in the relegation zone over the international break if they do not beat Villa.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has backed captain Bruno Fernandes, saying the midfielder's commitment to the club is "undoubted" and that he is as good as ever. Fernandes was left on the bench for October's home defeat by Bournemouth after criticising Carrick and his coaching staff following the 4-1 Champions League loss in Como.
Fernandes returned for the Premier League defeat by Chelsea and scored a retaken penalty in Tuesday's second-half comeback against Roma. The Portugal international, 32, later said there had been "a lot of lies" reported about his relationship with Carrick, and rejected the idea that "clear-the-air talks" had taken place, which club sources had confirmed.
Carrick on Fernandes talks
Carrick said Fernandes' actions, including retaking the penalty, told everything about his state of mind. He declined to give details of their conversations after the Bournemouth loss, saying such discussions are part of everyday life at Carrington and that what is said will stay private.
Carrick added that it is clear the pair have "moved in a good direction" and repeated that Fernandes' commitment to the team and club is undoubted.
Bruno's commitment is undoubted for me in terms of what he brings to this team and this club.
— Michael Carrick
Pressure before Villa game
United's powerbrokers are expected to assess the managerial situation after Sunday's Premier League game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford. Carrick accepts he does not know what will happen, with only one win in nine games, against Ipswich in August.
In his matchday programme notes, Carrick wrote that United must back up Tuesday's victory and build momentum after the international break. Nottingham Forest's 3-1 win over Manchester City means Carrick's side will spend the break in the relegation zone if they do not beat Villa.
