Bruno Fernandes has declared his unwavering commitment to Manchester United, stating he is “here to serve” the club, while expressing his strong desire for Michael Carrick to lead them back to the Premier League summit.
A broad agreement for Carrick, 44, to remain as the Red Devils’ manager is understood to have been reached, though an official announcement is still pending.
United sources indicate the deal for Carrick is a matter of “when rather if” it is finalised. The manager was in London on Tuesday, where he presented the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award to his captain, Fernandes.
The 31-year-old midfielder recently equalled the Premier League record for assists in a single season, reaching 20 during Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, a match where the home crowd vocally supported their head coach.
Addressing Carrick’s anticipated long-term appointment, Fernandes reiterated his previous praise.
“I spoke a lot of times about him,” he said. “I already said many things about how good he could be as a manager in the past, so I think those words are still there.”
He added, “obviously, it’s not in my hands deciding who’s going to be the next manager. I’m here to serve the club, whether that is a manager that comes in, or if he stays, I will serve them in the same way.”
When asked directly if Carrick could guide United to the top of the league, Fernandes responded, “I hope so, if he stays. I hope he’s one that can take us back to the top of the Premier League because this is what all the players want.”
United will conclude their 40-game season – their shortest campaign in 111 years – with a trip to Brighton on Sunday.
Carrick will lead his side to the south coast having overseen 11 wins from his 16 matches in charge since Ruben Amorim’s departure in January.
