Bruno Fernandes has revealed that Michael Carrick transformed Manchester United's mentality by insisting the team must be the 'main characters' in every match, a stark contrast to the approach under Ruben Amorim. The Portugal midfielder believes this shift in attitude has been pivotal in the club's resurgence.
Carrick's Impact
Since replacing Ruben Amorim, Carrick has guided United to Champions League qualification with an impressive run of 12 wins and three draws in 17 Premier League matches. He became the first English manager—and only the sixth ever—to win eight or more of his opening nine top-flight games.
Fernandes, a standout performer this season, credits the team's improvement to a newfound mindset. 'We improved a lot as a team, we became much better in the way we approach games every time,' he told Gary Neville. 'We have to be the main character every time and not think "let's try to do our best and see what's coming." We have to be the main character in the game.'
He added: 'Sometimes you're going to struggle, sometimes you won't, but you have to try to be the main character in the game because you play for a big club and play for a huge place. We want to be in the top four all of the time, that has to be compulsory.'
Amorim's Struggles
Fernandes reflected on United's difficulties under Amorim, noting that despite controlling games and limiting opponents' time in the box, they kept conceding crucial goals. 'Under Ruben we were always on top of the games but then we were the team that would allow teams the fewest time in our box and at the same time we would be the team that conceded more goals in that period,' he explained.
'In our head was like "how is it possible that we don't allow them to come into our box as often and then when they come we still concede a goal?" It was nothing to do with the defenders or with the goalkeeper, it was the full team. It always felt like we were doing everything well. We're creating chances, we're not scoring and then all of a sudden they have one chance and they score against us. So the belief of doing everything so well, and everything was always coming down a little bit.'
Defending Amorim's System
Despite the poor results, Fernandes defended Amorim's tactical setup. 'I don't think so [the formation was to blame]. Because, as I said, we were the ones not letting them into our box. So, that means your shape was good. You were defending well, and attacking-wise, we were up there in creations of xG or whatever.'
The 31-year-old captain's comments highlight a clear shift in mentality under Carrick, with United now playing with greater belief and assertiveness as they aim to re-establish themselves among the Premier League elite.
