Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has dismissed suggestions that the team's stunning comeback victory over Roma was about saving manager Michael Carrick's job. The Red Devils fought back from two goals down to win 3-2 in the Champions League, ending a nine-game winless run.
Fernandes, who was dropped to the bench after publicly criticising Carrick's tactics following a 4-1 defeat at Como, returned to the starting lineup for the Premier League loss to Chelsea. His penalty on 58 minutes sparked the revival against Roma, easing some of the pressure on the under-fire manager.
When asked if the result would save Carrick's job, Fernandes told Amazon Prime: "We don't need to save anyone's job. The club needed that win, the players needed that win. We have been working so hard to get out of this situation all together."
He continued: "It's been tough, there's been a lot of speculation in the media. A lot of lies around many things that have happened between me and the manager, that we have cleared the air, then after that the manager took the decision to put me on the bench because I'm not performing. Everyone thought that was a punishment for the words that I had. If it was, it was right. The manager is the one who makes the decisions."
Fernandes emphasised that his belief in the manager, the staff, and his teammates remains unchanged. "It doesn't change the belief I have of the manager and the staff and every player in this club. It doesn't change my aim to win every game that I have ahead of me."
The victory over Roma was a much-needed boost for United, who had been struggling for form. The comeback, sparked by Fernandes' penalty, saw the Red Devils score three times in the second half to secure a memorable win.
Carrick, who took over as interim manager following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has faced intense scrutiny amid the team's poor results. The win against Roma may provide some respite, but questions remain about his long-term future at the club.
Fernandes' comments suggest that the players are united behind the manager and are focused on turning their season around. The captain's leadership and performance will be crucial as United look to build on this result and climb the Premier League table.
United fans will be hoping that the comeback against Roma marks a turning point in their season. With Fernandes back in the fold and the team showing fighting spirit, there is renewed optimism at Old Trafford.
