Carrick keeps Fernandes as captain and says he needs no assurances on United future

Carrick confirmed Fernandes will retain the captaincy after being dropped for Bournemouth, saying the midfielder remains crucial to the squad.

Michael Carrick has confirmed Bruno Fernandes will keep the Manchester United captaincy despite being left out as an unused substitute for Sunday's defeat to Bournemouth. The pair held talks this week following Fernandes' criticism of tactics in the earlier loss to Como. Harry Maguire wore the armband against Bournemouth but will not retain it for Saturday's Chelsea fixture.

Carrick praised Fernandes as "an important player for this group" and said "there is no decision to be made" on the captaincy. "He's fully committed to this football club, he's fully committed to making things better," Carrick said. "He's the one that's kind of led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he'll continue to do that."

Carrick also addressed his own position after the club considered his future following eight games without a win. He said he does not need assurances from the hierarchy and was not surprised to retain his job. United will be without striker Benjamin Sesko until the new year with a shin injury, but Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training.