Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has criticised “a lot of lies” reported by the media regarding his relationship with head coach Michael Carrick. The 32-year-old midfielder addressed the press after United secured a 3-2 victory over Roma on Tuesday.
Addressing Speculation and the Bench
Fernandes was dropped to the bench following a 4-1 loss at Como, where he had publicly criticised Carrick’s tactics. Restored to the starting lineup for a Premier League defeat against Chelsea, Fernandes scored a 58th-minute penalty against Roma to ignite a second-half comeback from a two-goal deficit.
Speaking to Amazon Prime, Fernandes stated that media speculation has been challenging. He dismissed claims of fabricated conflicts between himself and the manager, noting that being benched due to performance was a fair decision by the coach. He added that if his time on the bench was a punishment for his previous comments, it was deserved because the manager makes the decisions. Furthermore, he emphasised that the situation does not alter his belief in the coaching staff and players, nor his goal to win upcoming matches.
The victory against Roma halted a nine-game winless run, alleviating pressure on Carrick during a difficult phase. When asked if the win saved the manager’s job, Fernandes told Amazon Prime that nobody’s job needed saving, noting that the club and players simply needed the victory and have worked hard to exit their difficult situation together.
Former Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel expressed support for Fernandes’ remarks on BBC Radio 5 Live, stating he hoped the team could move past the public drama. Schmeichel remarked that media reports often represent only a fraction of the truth, noting his own staggering experiences with inaccurate club reporting during his career.
Team Struggles and Comeback Response
Following a successful run last season where Carrick won 12 of 17 matches to secure Champions League qualification and a two-year contract, United has struggled significantly this term. The club currently sits 17th in the Premier League with just one victory from nine opening fixtures. Although termination was widely anticipated following a match against Bournemouth, United’s board opted to give the 45-year-old coach time to reverse the team’s fortunes at Old Trafford.
Midfielder Youri Tielemans told Amazon Prime that the players repaid the heavy pressure on Carrick with character and fight during the comeback. Tielemans noted that while job security questions are separate, the squad’s role is to support and fight for the manager and the club.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo described the end of their winless streak as a significant relief. The comeback triumph at Old Trafford marks United’s second victory in four Champions League matches this season, advancing them to 17th position in the league phase table.
