Michael Carrick has acknowledged that Manchester United must look after Bruno Fernandes, who has played 27,863 minutes since joining from Sporting Lisbon, and will need to manage his game time in the new season.
Fernandes, who turns 32 next month, has been remarkably consistent and rarely misses matches, but Carrick knows the captain cannot sustain such high levels without rest. The club wants to get the most out of him in a sustainable way, which means he will have to be left out of some games.
Captain's desire to play every minute
After the final-day victory over Brighton last season, Carrick laughed as he revealed that Fernandes had asked to stay on for the entire match, having already broken the assist record. Fernandes lives and breathes football, often watching academy games from the team hotel when United play away, and always wants to remain on the pitch.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Carrick said: "He's been a big part of the team and the club over recent times and had a huge impact, so he'll continue to do that."
"In terms of the games and how it comes, hopefully he stays fit and he's in good shape. But yeah, there's the element talking about the squad and the depth, and as we go through the season and the waves and the momentum and keeping the boys in good form, but keeping them fresh as well."
Midfield is the foundation
Carrick described Fernandes as his most influential player, operating in the department that "connects" the team. He said: "You could argue both ends of the pitch are more important, if not more important, but the midfield connects the whole team together and has a big say on how the team performs with and without the ball."
He added: "I think it gives you the foundation of the team, you know. I think the foundation of the team is important to be consistent, to be consistent through one game from start to finish, to be consistent over a period of time."
"I think you need a solid foundation through the middle of the team, trying to put it together, and getting that balance. But certainly, I think if you look at all the top teams over the years, all the great teams over the years, the spine of the team is really strong, you know."
Reducing reliance on Fernandes
United have been overreliant on Fernandes since his arrival, and Carrick must find a way to win games without him. The midfield is set to look stronger if Carlos Baleba can be signed, which would ease the burden on Fernandes' shoulders.
