MICHAEL CARRICK KEEPS BRUNO FERNANDES AS MANCHESTER UNITED CAPTAIN

Michael Carrick has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will remain Manchester United captain after talks between the pair at the club’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday. Carrick said Fernandes was “fully committed” to United ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match at Chelsea. “He's the captain of our football club,” Carrick said when asked whether Fernandes would keep the armband. Carrick had left Fernandes on the bench for Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth, when Harry Maguire captained the side. Carrick described that selection as a “football decision”.

Fernandes had publicly questioned Carrick’s tactics after United lost 4-1 away to Como last week. His comments raised questions about his captaincy before the two met at Carrington. Carrick said players have different personalities and ways of leading, and linked leadership to performances and results on the pitch. He said Fernandes cared deeply about United and wanted the team to do well. “We'll lead that together,” Carrick said.

Carrick also faced questions about his own position after United won one of their opening eight Premier League matches. A defeat at Chelsea, alongside two other results, could put United in the relegation zone. Carrick said he did not need assurances from United’s board about his job. “I totally get the position, I get the job, the responsibility, I get what comes with that,” he said. Fernandes is set to return to the team after missing the starting line-up against Bournemouth.