Carrick needs no assurances over United job; Fernandes remains captain
Michael Carrick says he is not surprised to remain Manchester United head coach and confirms Bruno Fernandes will keep the captaincy for Saturday’s match at Chelsea.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick said on 29 October that he needs no assurances over his job and is not surprised to remain in charge ahead of Saturday’s match at Chelsea. He also confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will remain captain after being left out against Bournemouth, settling a question about the midfielder’s role while Carrick’s longer-term future remains unclear.
The comments add Carrick’s own account to NewsJaws’ earlier report that United would keep him in charge for the Chelsea fixture after discussions about his position. The Guardian reported that the club’s hierarchy considered whether to retain him at the start of this week, following eight games without a win and more than two months without a Premier League victory.
What Carrick said about his Manchester United future
‘I don’t need any assurances from anyone,’ Carrick said, according to Hayters TV. He said he understood the responsibilities of the job and, asked whether he was surprised still to be in charge, answered: ‘No.’ He said he was focused on improving the team rather than seeking reassurance about his position.
Carrick said supporters’ views mattered to him, particularly their experience at matches and what United offered them. The Guardian reported that fans cheered Carrick after the Bournemouth match but booed the players. His comments did not amount to a decision by the club on how long he will stay in charge.
Why Fernandes remains United captain
Fernandes was an unused substitute against Bournemouth after criticising United’s tactics following the defeat by Como. The Guardian reported that Carrick and Fernandes held talks during the week. Carrick described the omission as a decision made for that game and said there was no issue between them.
Harry Maguire wore the armband against Bournemouth, but Carrick said ‘there is no decision to be made’ about the captaincy for Chelsea. He called Fernandes an important player who was fully committed to the club and to improving its form, adding that the midfielder would continue to lead the team.
United face Chelsea on Saturday, 31 October, with striker Benjamin Sesko sidelined until the new year by a shin injury. Kobbie Mainoo returned to training this week, according to the Guardian. The match gives Carrick his next opportunity to improve United’s results after the winless run.
Read in depth: Sports
Rays face payroll and rotation questions after World Series loss to Brewers
Tampa Bay’s 98-win season ended in five World Series games. Its new ownership group faces questions about spending and retaining a rotation that helped carry the club to the...
Lamar Jackson practices fully as Ravens assess his return for Bills game
The quarterback’s full participation on Wednesday gave Baltimore reason for optimism, but coach Jesse Minter said the team would assess how he responds before Sunday’s game in...
Sources and context
- Carrick insists he is not surprised to still be in charge of Man UtdHayters TV, republished by Yahoo Sports
- Carrick keeps Fernandes as captain and says he needs no assurances on United futureThe Guardian
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.