Carrick ready to move forward with Fernandes as Man Utd captain

Michael Carrick, head coach of Premier League club Manchester United, said on Thursday that he is ready to "move forward" with midfielder Bruno Fernandes as the team's captain. He spoke at a press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League away match against Chelsea. The question matters because Fernandes was left among the substitutes last Sunday, and United are suffering the worst start to a Premier League season in the club's history.

Tension after the Como game

Fernandes was not in the starting line-up on Sunday, when United lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth. This followed the midfielder's public comments about the manager's tactics after the Champions League defeat at Italian side Como. Carrick said at the time that the decision was made for football reasons, and he repeated on Thursday: "It was a decision for the game. That's it." Sky Sports News reported that the coach and player held talks this week to clear the air.

Carrick stressed that Fernandes is fully committed to the club and that he has no issues with that. Asked whether Fernandes would stay on as captain after Harry Maguire wore the armband last weekend, the coach replied that there is "no decision to be made on that".

The coach's future

Carrick's position has been in the spotlight since the Bournemouth defeat. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox met at the club's Carrington training ground this week to discuss next steps, but Carrick will continue to lead the team.

The head coach said he does not need guarantees from the club's leadership. He said he understands the responsibility that comes with the job and the pressure attached to it. Carrick said his main focus is preparing for Chelsea and that he does not follow criticism or questions about his future in the media. According to him, what matters is what the supporters think and what the team gives them.