Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has sent a strong message to critics following the club’s sensational 3–2 comeback victory over AS Roma in the UEFA Champions League, insisting that the players were not fighting to save manager Michael Carrick’s job but to rescue their club’s season.
Fernandes, who was named UEFA Player of the Match, played a decisive role in Tuesday night’s dramatic encounter at Old Trafford. After United fell two goals behind in the first half, the Portuguese international converted a retaken penalty before providing the cross that led to Matheus Cunha’s equaliser.
Cunha subsequently scored a spectacular winner in the 86th minute, completing a remarkable turnaround and ending United’s nine-match winless run.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video after the final whistle, Fernandes dismissed suggestions that the result was primarily about protecting Carrick’s position.
“We don’t need to save anyone’s job. The club needed that win, the players needed that win. It’s something we needed as a group of players together with the staff,” he explained.
The United captain also addressed the growing media speculation surrounding his relationship with Carrick, describing some of the stories circulating about events inside the club as lies.
He acknowledged that the recent period had been difficult but insisted that the team had continued working together to overcome its problems.
FERNANDES ADDRESSES HIS BENCHING
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the Portuguese midfielder had been his omission from the starting XI for United’s 3–0 defeat against Bournemouth.
The decision followed Fernandes’ public criticism of aspects of United’s tactics after their disappointing 4–1 Champions League defeat to Como.
Addressing the situation, Fernandes accepted the manager’s authority and admitted that his performances had not been good enough to guarantee his place.
“The manager took a decision of putting me on the bench because I wasn’t performing, and that’s fair.”
He also acknowledged the possibility that his previous comments had influenced the decision, adding that if the omission was intended as punishment, he accepted it.
“The manager is the one who makes the decisions. I have to accept them and move forward.”
HIS BELIEF IN CARRICK REMAINS UNCHANGED
Despite the controversy, Fernandes made it clear that his confidence in the manager and coaching staff had not diminished.
He reaffirmed his belief in everyone at the club and stressed that his personal ambition remained unchanged.
His message was particularly emphatic: he wants to win every game Manchester United have ahead of them.
The comments represent a public show of commitment from the club captain at a time when questions have been raised about the atmosphere within the dressing room.
A POTENTIAL TURNING POINT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?
Tuesday’s victory could prove important for Carrick and his players, particularly after weeks of disappointing performances and growing pressure from supporters.
However, one comeback does not automatically resolve the club’s wider problems.
The next challenge will be maintaining the momentum and demonstrating that the performance against Roma represents a genuine change in direction.
United are scheduled to face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, 8 November, in what could provide another important test of the team’s progress.
For Fernandes, the message is straightforward: the priority is Manchester United, not individual reputations, managerial speculation or dressing-room rumours.
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