Carrick backs Fernandes as captain, needs no assurances on his future at United

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has backed Bruno Fernandes to remain his captain and insisted he needs no assurances over his own future ahead of Saturday's trip to Chelsea.

In Short

• Michael Carrick has backed Bruno Fernandes to continue as Manchester United captain
• Fernandes was benched after publicly questioning tactics following the Como defeat
• Carrick insisted his attention was firmly on preparing the team for Chelsea clash

Michael Carrick has backed Bruno Fernandes to continue as Manchester United captain, insisting the midfielder remains fully committed to the club despite their recent disagreement. The United manager also said he does not need assurances about his own future as he prepares his side for Saturday's Premier League trip to Chelsea.

Carrick left Fernandes on the bench for Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth after the Portugal international publicly questioned United's tactics following their 4-1 Champions League loss to Como last week. The pair have since held clear-the-air talks, and Carrick is keen to move on from the incident.

"It was a decision for the game. That's it," Carrick said at his press conference on Thursday.

"Bruno is fully committed to this football club. I've got no issues with that, we move forward. We're looking forward to the game now."

CARRICK STANDS BY FERNANDES AS CAPTAIN

Harry Maguire wore the captain's armband against Bournemouth in Fernandes' absence, prompting questions about whether the Portuguese midfielder would retain the role. Carrick, however, made it clear that there was no uncertainty over his captaincy.

"There's no decision to be made on that," he said.

Asked whether Fernandes' emotional nature could be a concern for a captain, Carrick defended the 32-year-old and pointed to his commitment to the club and his desire to improve the team.

"He's the captain of our football club," Carrick said. "There are different personalities, different characteristics, different ways to lead. It all comes down to what happens on the football pitch and whether you win or not in the end.

"He cares deeply about this football club and the team and he's desperate to do well. We'll lead that together."

The backing comes after a difficult week for Fernandes, whose public criticism of United's tactics was followed by his omission from the starting line-up against Bournemouth. Carrick's comments suggest the disagreement will not affect the midfielder's leadership role as United look to get their season back on track.

CARRICK: I DON'T NEED ASSURANCES ON MY FUTURE

Questions have also been raised about Carrick's own position following United's poor run of results. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox held discussions at the club's Carrington training ground this week, but Carrick remains in charge ahead of the trip to Chelsea.

The former United midfielder said he understood the demands of the job and did not need guarantees from the club hierarchy about his future.

"I don't need assurances from anyone," Carrick said.

"I totally get the position, I get the job, the responsibility, I get what comes with that. I really don't need any assurances from anyone in that regard."

Carrick insisted his attention was firmly on preparing the team for Chelsea rather than the speculation surrounding his position. He also made it clear that the supporters' views mattered more to him than the criticism elsewhere.

"I don't look for it. It doesn't help. I've said it before, I care about what the supporters think. I care about how it feels in the stadium and them travelling to games. I care about what we give them and what they see," he said.

"I genuinely don't take any notice of anything else. I know this job and I know what we need to be better. I don't need anyone else to tell me."

Asked whether he was surprised to still be in the job, Carrick said he remained focused on his responsibilities.

"No. I'm here to do my job. I'm here to do the best for the team. I'm desperate to make things better and improve things. I'm not surprised, no," he said.

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