Carrick ready to 'move forward' with Fernandes as captain

Carrick confirmed Fernandes remains captain after benching him for Bournemouth; the pair held clear-the-air talks this week.

Michael Carrick has confirmed Bruno Fernandes will continue as Manchester United captain after the midfielder was dropped to the bench for Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. Fernandes had publicly criticised Carrick's tactics following the Champions League loss at Como, prompting the manager to leave him out for "football reasons". Sky Sports News reported that Carrick and Fernandes held clear-the-air talks during the week to resolve the matter.

When asked whether Fernandes would keep the armband after Harry Maguire wore it last weekend, Carrick stated: "There's no decision to be made on that." The manager insisted he is "fully committed" to moving forward with his captain and the club.

Carrick's own position has come under scrutiny following Manchester United's worst-ever start to a Premier League season, with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox meeting at Carrington this week. However, Carrick will continue in charge for Saturday's trip to Chelsea and said he does not require assurances about his long-term future from the club hierarchy.