Carrick backs Bruno Fernandes to remain United captain, says he needs no assurances on his future

Michael Carrick backed Bruno Fernandes to continue as Manchester United captain at a press conference on Thursday and said the midfielder remained fully committed to the club, while the manager added he did not need assurances about his own future as he prepared his side for Saturday's Premier League trip to Chelsea.

Fernandes was left on the bench for Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth after he publicly questioned United's tactics following their 4-1 Champions League loss to Como last week; the pair have since held clear-the-air talks. Harry Maguire wore the captain's armband against Bournemouth in Fernandes' absence, prompting questions over whether the Portugal international would keep the role.

On the decision to omit Fernandes against Bournemouth, Carrick said: "It was a decision for the game. That's it," and added of the midfielder: "Bruno is fully committed to this football club. I've got no issues with that, we move forward. We're looking forward to the game now."

Addressing captaincy, Carrick dismissed any uncertainty about Fernandes' status, saying: "There's no decision to be made on that." Defending the 32-year-old when asked about his emotional nature, Carrick said: "He's the captain of our football club," and continued: "There are different personalities, different characteristics, different ways to lead. It all comes down to what happens on the football pitch and whether you win or not in the end. "He cares deeply about this football club and the team and he's desperate to do well. We'll lead that together."

Questions over Carrick's own position followed United's poor run of results and reports that chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox held discussions at the club's Carrington training ground this week. On that issue Carrick said: "I don't need assurances from anyone," and added: "I totally get the position, I get the job, the responsibility, I get what comes with that. I really don't need any assurances from anyone in that regard."

Carrick said his focus remained on preparing the team rather than external speculation and emphasised the importance of supporters' views, saying: "I don't look for it. It doesn't help. I've said it before, I care about what the supporters think. I care about how it feels in the stadium and them travelling to games. I care about what we give them and what they see," and: "I genuinely don't take any notice of anything else. I know this job and I know what we need to be better. I don't need anyone else to tell me."

When asked whether he was surprised to still be in the job, Carrick replied: "No. I'm here to do my job. I'm here to do the best for the team. I'm desperate to make things better and improve things. I'm not surprised, no," and remains in charge ahead of Manchester United's trip to Chelsea on Saturday.