Michael Carrick looking on from the touchline
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes quashes rumours of an altercation between him and his manager Michael Carrick.
The relationship between the gaffer and the skipper has dominated the headlines in recent weeks, especially following the Champions League defeat to Como.
Fernandes criticised Carrick’s game strategy, particularly the lack of pressing. This prompted a swift response from the head coach, who instead blamed the players’ lack of effort for the heavy defeat.
Bruno Fernandes denies row with Michael Carrick
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Michael Carrick speaks to Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Michael Carrick speaks to Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
A few days after the Como game, Carrick decided to drop the Portuguese star from his starting lineup for the Premier League home fixture against Bournemouth.
Man Utd were on the receiving end of a 0-3 thrashing, but the 45-year-old didn’t budge, keeping Fernandes on the bench for the duration of the game.
Most observers felt that the manager was making an example out of the outspoken captain, punishing him for his ill-advised public comments.
The 32-year-old returned to the starting lineup in the following match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It was reported that Bruno and Carrick held talks to clear the air, which paved the way for the skipper’s return.
Nevertheless, Fernandes dismissed these stories while speaking to the press in the aftermath of Tuesday’s sensational come-from-behind victory against Roma.
"Carrick was right" 🔴👏
Bruno Fernandes gave an open, honest assessment after United's 3-2 win over Roma 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/QAWDt6VXQr
— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) November 3, 2026
The former Sporting star believes he was dropped from the lineup due to his regressed form and not nothing else.
“It’s been tough, there’s been a lot of speculation in the media, a lot of lies around many things that happened in this club between me and the manager, like that we had clear-the-air talks. Nothing like that happened,” said the playmaker in his post-match interview with Amazon Prime (via the Manchester Evening News).
“The manager took a decision to put myself on the bench [vs Chelsea] because I wasn’t performing and that’s fair, everyone felt it was a punishment for the words I said, and if it was, it was right.
“The manager is the one who makes the decisions; I have to accept them, I have to go forward with them,” added Fernandes.
“It doesn’t change the belief I have on the manager, on the staff and every player in this club, and it doesn’t change my aim to win every f****** game ahead of me.”
Man Utd desperately need the best version of Fernandes
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United arrives at the stadium before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United arrives at the stadium before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Whatever happened between Carrick and Bruno in recent weeks appears to be water under the bridge.
This will certainly bring a sigh of relief around Carrington, as Man Utd cannot afford to have these two big figures at odds with one another, especially at this delicate moment.
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Bruno’s Stats in 26/27 Appearances Goals Assists
Premier League 8 3 1
Champions League 4 2 1
Carabao Cup 1 0 0
Total 13 5 2
And more importantly, the Red Devils need to recover THE Bruno Fernandes, the one who mesmerised fans and opponents alike in recent seasons.
The Portuguese international has seemingly been carrying a knock since September, which may have been hindering his performances, but if United are to escape this incredibly dark tunnel, they need their captain to show them the way.
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