Roma 2-3: Bruno Fernandes addresses Michael Carrick’s future after comeback

Fernandes responds to reports

Fernandes said claims about his relationship with Carrick had been untrue. He said the two had cleared the air before Carrick chose to leave him out because of his performances, a decision Fernandes accepted.

The captain added that his confidence in Carrick, the coaching staff and his teammates remained unchanged. His focus, he said, was winning the matches ahead.

A comeback at Old Trafford

Restored to the side for the Premier League loss to Chelsea, Fernandes scored from the spot in the 58th minute against Roma. United had been 2-0 down before their second-half recovery produced a 3-2 victory.

The result moved United to 17th in the Champions League league-phase table, after two wins in four matches. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo described ending the team’s winless run as a relief.

Carrick’s position and response

Fernandes dismissed the suggestion that the Roma win had to rescue Carrick’s job. “We don't need to save anyone's job,” he told Amazon Prime. Carrick won 12 of his 17 matches in charge last season and helped United return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. He then received a two-year contract; although he had been widely expected to be dismissed after the Bournemouth match, the board gave him more time to improve results.