Carrick confirms Fernandes captaincy decision after Man Utd crunch talks

Michael Carrick has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes is 'fully committed' and will remain captain of Manchester United. The decision follows clear-the-air talks between the pair at United's training ground, Carrington, on Tuesday.

Fernandes' future as captain became uncertain after he publicly questioned Carrick's tactics in the Red Devils' 4-1 defeat away to Como last week. Carrick subsequently dropped Fernandes to the bench for Sunday's 3-0 loss at home to Bournemouth in what he described as a 'football decision'.

Speaking ahead of United's trip to Chelsea on Saturday, Carrick was asked whether the 32-year-old Portuguese would continue to wear the armband, which was passed to Harry Maguire against Bournemouth. "There's no decision to be made on that," the United manager replied.

"He's the captain of our football club. There are different personalities, different characteristics, different ways to lead. It all comes down to what happens on the football pitch and whether you win or not in the end.

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"He cares deeply about this football club and the team and he's desperate to do well. We'll lead that together."

Carrick added: "It was a decision for the game. That's it. Bruno is fully committed to this football club. I've got no issues with that, we move forward."

Fernandes' role wasn't the biggest talking point during Carrick's press conference on Thursday. His own future has been in jeopardy, with United having won just one of their opening eight Premier League games.

Defeat at Chelsea coupled with two other results going against the Red Devils could see them drop into the relegation zone. Despite the intense speculation, Carrick insists that he doesn't need assurances from the club's board over his position.

"I don't need assurances from anyone," the former United midfielder said. "I totally get the position, I get the job, the responsibility, I get what comes with that. I really don't need any assurances from anyone in that regard."

Should Bruno Fernandes have been stripped of the captaincy? Have your say in the comments section.

Carrick went on to say: "I don't see [the criticism]. I only see the things I need to see. I don't look for it. It doesn't help. I've said it before, I care about what the supporters think.

"I care about how it feels in the stadium and them travelling to games - I care about what we give them and what they see. I genuinely don't take any notice of anything else. I know this job and I know what we need to be better. I don't need anyone else to tell me."

On whether he was surprised to still be in a job, Carrick responded: "No. I'm here to do my job. I'm here to do the best for the team. I'm desperate to make things better and improve things. I'm not surprised, no."