Carrick: No decision to be made over Fernandes' captaincy

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick said there is no decision to be made over Bruno Fernandes' club captaincy. Carrick reiterated that he left Fernandes on the bench for Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, and that the decision was based on football reasons.

Fernandes had criticised the manager's tactics after the Champions League defeat to Como. According to Sky Sports News, Carrick and Fernandes held a meeting on Tuesday to clear the air between them. Carrick said he had no doubts about the player's commitment to the club and that they now wanted to look ahead.

Harry Maguire wore the captain's armband last weekend. Carrick was asked whether Fernandes was too emotional. Carrick openly backed the 32-year-old player. He stressed that there are different personalities and leadership styles, and that everything depends on performances on the pitch and, ultimately, the matches won.

Carrick's future came into question after the Bournemouth defeat made the club's worst start in the Premier League even worse. Club chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox met at the Carrington training ground this week to discuss next steps. Despite this, Carrick will continue to work with the team.

Carrick's team travel to Chelsea on Saturday.