Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes believes Michael Carrick was the right man to replace Ruben Amorim as head coach. Fernandes spoke to Sky Sports News about Carrick’s impact after collecting his Footballer of the Year prize at the Football Writers’ Association awards ceremony.
Carrick Steered United to Champions League
According to Fernandes, Man Utd were in need of a change when Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim. United were sixth in the Premier League when Amorim was sacked in January. Carrick oversaw an impressive run of results to clinch third and Champions League qualification after replacing him until the end of the season.
Carrick has agreed a two-year deal with United to stay on as head coach. Confirmation from the club of his permanent appointment is expected to follow.
Fernandes Highlights Carrick’s Calmness
Fernandes said that when the change was made, United were not far from what they wanted to achieve this season, which was the top four. He admitted that the change was required by the club for “different reasons” that he did not want to disclose.
Fernandes stated that he and Carrick spoke before, agreeing they could and wanted to play better. He added that they didn’t achieve the level they wanted, but the results since Carrick’s arrival show they were one of the best teams in the Premier League.
Fernandes Benefited From Coaching Change
Fernandes was one of the players to benefit from Amorim’s sacking. He was restored to his favoured No 10 position immediately by caretaker boss Darren Fletcher, who was in charge for two games.
Carrick kept Fernandes in a more advanced role. Thirteen of Fernandes’ record-equalling 20 Premier League assists came after Amorim’s departure, in what has become his greatest season at Old Trafford.
Fernandes added that Carrick came in with a big personality but also with a lot of calmness about what he needed to do to bring the best out of the team, and he did it in the best way. For himself, it was a great end to the season as he got to really enjoy his football, and most importantly, the team was getting results.
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