Fernandes: Man Utd players don't need to save anyone's job after Roma comeback

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has said the players "don't need to save anyone's job" after the English club came from 2-0 down to beat Italy's Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford in the Champions League, Europe's top club competition. The league-phase win ended a nine-game run without a victory.

Fernandes' comments

The 32-year-old midfielder was speaking to the media for the first time since being dropped to the bench for publicly criticising manager Michael Carrick's tactics following a 4-1 defeat at Italian side Como. He was an unused substitute in a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, then returned to the starting line-up for a Premier League defeat by Chelsea. Against Roma, his penalty on 58 minutes sparked the revival.

Fernandes said the club and players needed the victory. He described speculation in the media and said there had been untrue claims about him and the manager, adding that the air had been cleared. He called the decision to bench him right, saying the manager makes the decisions, and insisted it does not change his belief in Carrick, the staff or his teammates.

Carrick's position

Carrick won 12 of his 17 games in charge last season, taking United back into the Champions League after a two-year absence, and was given a two-year contract. This season United sit 17th in the Premier League, England's top division, with one win from nine games. The 45-year-old was widely expected to be sacked after the Bournemouth defeat, but the board chose to give him the chance to turn things around.

Midfielder Youri Tielemans said the team should stick behind the manager, but called a question about whether the result saves Carrick's job "a different question". Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo described a "relief" at ending the winless run. It was United's second win in four Champions League games this season and moved them up to 17th in the league-phase table.