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Bruno Fernandes reacts against Como.(Image: AFP or licensors)
Michael Carrick refused to rule out taking the captaincy away from Bruno Fernandes in the future, saying that he makes every decision for the good of Manchester United.
Fernandes questioned United's tactics against Como, saying during an interview with TNT Sports: "It's a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball."
When Fernandes was asked if Carrick got his tactics wrong, he said: "That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me."
Fernandes was substituted in the 66th minute against Como, and he shook his head as he walked around the pitch. Carrick did not acknowledge the midfielder when he made his way back to the bench.
Carrick hit back at Fernandes' comments during his post-Como press conference, but the United boss played down the situation when he spoke again on Friday.
There is no suggestion that Fernandes will be stripped of the captaincy, but Carrick explained that he isn't afraid of making tough decisions if they are what he believes is "best for the football club".
When asked if he would consider stripping Fernandes of the armband, he said: "I'm just saying I'll always, whatever the situation is, I'll always do what's best for the football club."
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When it was put to Carrick that Fernandes' comments could be divisive, he responded: "Yeah, the most important thing for me is the team, first and foremost, is the squad, is the dynamics in the squad. And again, it's about the football club. And I'll always do what's best for the football club."
Carrick insisted the dressing room was not divided, saying: "It's not divided, no. It's not divided. We just need to get back to doing what we do best, and we will."
The United boss did not confirm whether he had spoken to Fernandes: "Yeah, if I've spoken to him or haven't spoken to him, I don't think this is the time to go into too much detail.
"We need to move forward in the right direction for sure. We need to do things to enable us to do that. So, it's pretty clear."
Fernandes' family home was burgled while United played Como in Italy and United are providing support to the midfielder and his family. "I mean, it's an awful thing to hear about and to go through," Carrick said.
"We are obviously doing a lot of work to support Bruno and his family. Thankfully, they weren't directly affected, even though it's an awful situation. So, I'm not playing it down in any way, but yeah, we're doing everything to support them."