Carrick confirms Fernandes will remain Manchester United captain

Michael Carrick has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will remain Manchester United captain, saying the midfielder remains committed to the club after a difficult week for both men. BBC Sport reported the head coach's position on Thursday, following Fernandes' omission from the starting line-up against Bournemouth and subsequent discussions at United's training ground.

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Fernandes had questioned United's approach after their 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como, arguing that the team needed to press opponents more aggressively. He then remained an unused substitute throughout Sunday's 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth. According to Sky Sports, Carrick described that selection as a football decision, saying his priority was choosing the side he believed could deliver the required performance.

Sky Sports News reported that the pair met at Carrington on Tuesday for a direct discussion about moving forward. Its reporting said Carrick was satisfied their disagreement had been resolved, but it was not known whether Fernandes had apologised for his public comments. The midfielder was expected to be available for consideration against Chelsea, rather than assured of a starting place.

That individual conversation was separate from a meeting involving the full squad. Sky reported that players and staff acknowledged performances across the group had been below the required level and expressed a shared determination to improve immediately. The discussions therefore addressed both the relationship between coach and captain and the wider team's poor results.

Carrick's latest comments settled the captaincy question without confirming his next starting eleven. According to BBC Sport, he maintained that Fernandes remained important to the group and would continue to lead it. United have gone eight matches without a victory, their longest such sequence since 2015-16, while a ninth would match a run last recorded in 1988-89.

The BBC also reported that Carrick will take charge of Saturday's visit to Chelsea after senior club figures discussed his position. Asked about his own future, he said he did not need assurances and understood the responsibilities attached to the job.