Under-fire Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has confirmed Bruno Fernandes will remain the team’s captain despite dropping him from the starting lineup following recent comments to the media.

The Portuguese playmaker, who has been the Red Devils’ key attacking spark since joining the club in 2020, was named as a substitute in Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth but did not come off the bench.

Just days earlier, Fernandes had criticized Carrick’s tactics following the 4-1 Champions League loss to Como in Italy.

What did Bruno Fernandes say about Michael Carrick?

“It’s not the first time, we started on the wrong foot, and they scored very early,” Fernandes told TNT Sports after the game. “Not much pressure on the ball, not many good movements with the ball, not many things going our way. It’s a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, wait for them, but sometimes when you give space to these teams they get confidence.”

Fernandes was blasted by several analysts, including United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane, for airing those views publicly. A week earlier, defender Lisandro Martínez had also taken aim at the club’s management and recruitment team in another postgame interview.

On Tuesday, it was reported, to the surprise of many, that United had decided to give Carrick, who played 464 games for the club, “more time,” without specifying how long he would have to save his job.

Carrick backs Fernandes as United captain

Now, the 45-year-old has confirmed Fernandes will remain United captain as the pair attempt to move past the fallout from their disagreement.

“Bruno is fully invested in this club, and there is absolutely no problem about this. We are moving forward,” Carrick told the media. “He is an important player for this group. He always has been and he will remain so. Together, we must make the difference and make things move forward in the right direction.

“He is fully committed to this club and to improving things. For me, nothing has changed. He is the one who has led the team so well for many matches and many years, and he will continue to do so.”

Tough fixtures await Manchester United

After making their worst league start in 40 years, United face a difficult run of fixtures. After visiting Chelsea in the Premier League, Carrick’s side will host Roma and Aston Villa, two in-form teams, at Old Trafford before the international break.

If Carrick makes it through those games and the break, his reward will be a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, who would like nothing more than to inflict further misery on their bitter rivals.

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