Michael Carrick has refused to confirm whether Bruno Fernandes will keep his place for Manchester United's clash with Bournemouth on Sunday, insisting he will do 'what is best for the football club'.
The United manager faced questions at his press conference on Friday after Fernandes criticised his tactics in the wake of Wednesday's 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League. The Italian side, competing in the competition for the first time this season, outclassed United at Old Trafford.
Fernandes criticises tactics after Como defeat
After the match, Fernandes blasted Carrick's decision not to press man-to-man. Asked whether the manager got things wrong tactically, the captain said: 'That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me.'
Carrick issued a curt response on the night, saying: 'If you don't run, and you don't run forward, and you don't run back, you ain't going to win.'
Carrick insists he is '100 per cent' the man to turn things around
Carrick opened his press conference on Friday by vowing to steer the club back on track, insisting he is still '100 per cent' the man to lift them from their current malaise. United are actively looking at possible replacements should results not quickly improve, but Carrick is set to remain in charge for the visit of the Cherries.
Fernandes' conduct has raised questions over whether the captain should be involved on Sunday, with former United skipper Wayne Rooney urging his old teammate to take the Portugal international 'out of the firing line.'
No clarity on Fernandes' future role
Asked if Fernandes could be dropped or even stripped of the captaincy, Carrick said: 'The most important thing is the team and the dynamics of the squad and the football club and I always do what is best for the club.'
Pushed again on whether he will strip Fernandes of the captaincy, Carrick said: 'Whatever the situation is I will do what is best for the football club.' He added: 'If I have spoken to him or I haven't spoken to him, I don't think this is the time to go into too much detail.'
Carrick gave little away on the subject of a punishment for Fernandes, leaving the captain's involvement in Sunday's match uncertain.
