Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has acknowledged Michael Carrick’s positive influence at the club following his appointment as head coach.
Fernandes spoke to Sky Sports News after receiving his Footballer of the Year prize at the Football Writers’ Association awards ceremony. He admitted there were “different reasons” why a change was required that he did not want to go into.
Carrick Steered United to Champions League
According to Fernandes, Manchester United were in need of a change when Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim. Amorim was sacked in January with United in sixth place in the Premier League.
Carrick, who took over until the end of the season, has guided the team to an impressive run of results, securing a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. Confirmation from the club of his permanent appointment is expected to follow, with Carrick agreeing a two-year deal.
Fernandes said that when the change was made, United were not far from achieving their target of a top-four finish. He added that the club needed to make a change for “different reasons”.
Fernandes’ Improved Form Under Carrick
Fernandes was one of the players who benefited from Amorim’s departure. He was immediately restored to his favoured No 10 position by caretaker boss Darren Fletcher, who was in charge for two games.
Carrick kept Fernandes in a more advanced role. Thirteen of the Portuguese’s record-equalling 20 Premier League assists came after Amorim’s departure, in what has become his greatest season at Old Trafford.
Carrick’s Calm Approach
Fernandes said that Michael Carrick came in with a big personality but also with a lot of calmness. He added that Carrick knew what he needed to do to bring the best out of the team and did it in the best way.
Fernandes said it was a great end to the season for him. He got to really enjoy the football he was playing and most importantly, the team was getting results.
Fernandes added that he and Carrick spoke before and said they could play better and wanted to play better. He said that they didn’t achieve the level they want to have but since he came the results show they were one of the best teams in the Premier League.
Fernandes also responded to former United captain Roy Keane’s criticism of his pursuit of the Premier League assists record by saying he always puts the team first.
The current United skipper set up Bryan Mbeumo for the third goal in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest for his 20th assist of the season and now has a chance to break Thierry He