UEFA Champions League:<\/b> Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has backed Bruno Fernandes\u2019 commitment to the club, insisting the Portuguese midfielder will continue to lead the team as captain ahead of their Premier League clash against Chelsea on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Carrick dismissed any uncertainty over Fernandes retaining the armband after the midfielder was left as an unused substitute in Manchester United\u2019s 0-3 defeat to Bournemouth in their previous outing. \u201cThere\u2019s no decision to be made on that,\u201d Carrick told reporters when asked whether Fernandes would continue as captain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBruno is fully committed to the football club; there are no issues with that. We look ahead to the game on Saturday,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fernandes\u2019 omission against Bournemouth came after an emotional reaction following United\u2019s UEFA Champions League defeat to Como, prompting questions about his situation at the club.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Carrick stressed that the 31-year-old remained an important figure in the squad and was determined to help the team improve its performances.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cListen, we are clear on the situation of the team and as a football club at the moment. As I\u2019ve just said, he is an important player for this group; he has been, and he will be,\u201d Carrick said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBetween us, we have got to make a difference; we have got to push things in a different direction. He is fully committed to this football club; he is fully committed to making things better,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Carrick further underlined Fernandes\u2019 leadership qualities, saying the midfielder would continue to play a key role in guiding the team through a difficult period.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t change things, you know; he is the one who has led the team so well for many a game and for many a year, and he will continue to do that,\u201d the Manchester United manager said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, Carrick also provided a positive update on midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has returned to training after missing the club\u2019s last four matches due to an injury sustained in the Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cKobbie has done a little bit of training yesterday. So, he\u2019s back and around the group, so that\u2019s obviously positive,\u201d Carrick said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mainoo had missed United\u2019s Champions League fixtures against Atletico de Madrid and Como, along with Premier League matches against Leeds United and Bournemouth. Carrick has not ruled out the possibility of the midfielder being included in the matchday squad for the Chelsea encounter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Manchester United head into Saturday\u2019s fixture at Stamford Bridge under pressure following their recent run of results. The 0-3 defeat to Bournemouth further dented their campaign, with the side looking to regain momentum in the Premier League.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mainoo had missed United\u2019s Champions League fixtures against Atletico de Madrid and Como, along with Premier League matches against Leeds United and Bournemouth. Carrick has not ruled out the possibility of the midfielder being included in the matchday squad for the Chelsea encounter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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