Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will retain the club’s captaincy despite recent tensions between the pair following the midfielder’s criticism of the team’s tactics.
Carrick made the clarification on Thursday, October 29, ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Chelsea on Saturday, following reports of a disagreement between the manager and his captain.
Fernandes was left on the substitutes’ bench during United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, after publicly questioned the team’s tactical approach following their 4-1 Champions League loss to Como.
The Portuguese midfielder had criticised the decision by the coaching staff to adopt a defensive approach rather than press their opponents more aggressively.
However, Carrick and Fernandes reportedly held discussions earlier in the week to resolve their differences and refocus on improving the team’s performance.
Speaking at a press conference, Carrick dismissed suggestions that Fernandes could lose the captaincy, insisting that the midfielder remains fully committed to the club.
He described Fernandes as an important figure in the squad, adding that he had led the team effectively over the years and would continue in that capacity.
Defender Harry Maguire temporarily wore the captain’s armband during the Bournemouth defeat when Fernandes was benched.
The confirmation comes as Manchester United seek to recover from a difficult run of form, having gone eight matches without a victory in all competitions, with pressure mounting on Carrick ahead of the Chelsea encounter.
