Bruno Fernandes to remain Manchester United captain after tactics furore, says Michael Carrick ahead of Premier League fixture against Chelsea

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Michael Carrick has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will keep the captain's armband at Manchester United. The Portugal international had been dropped to the bench for the club's last game after appearing to criticise the head coach's tactics in a UEFA Champions League defeat to Como.

Under-pressure Carrick also addressed his own future ahead of the Saturday lunchtime game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which is live with TNT Sports on HBO Max.

The Red Devils are looking to end a run of eight games without a win in all competitions.

Carrick, who was visibly emotional when saluting the Old Trafford crowd following last Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, had demoted Fernandes to the bench for the fixture following the comments he made after the Como game.

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However, speaking at his pre-match press conference, Carrick said that Fernandes was "fully committed" to the club - and would keep the captain's armband - ahead of an expected recall to the starting XI against Chelsea.

"Listen, we're clear with the situation of the team, and as a football club at the moment," said Carrick. "He's an important player for this group. He has been, and he will be. Between us, we've got to make a difference, and we've got to push things in a good direction.

"He's fully committed to this football club, he's fully committed to making things better. It doesn't change things. He's the one that's kind of led the team so well for many a game, and many a year, and he'll continue to do that."

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Pressed further on his relationship with Fernandes, the Premier League's Player of the Season last term, Carrick added: "Bruno’s fully committed to this football club, absolutely no issues with that.

"We move forward, we make decisions as we go, and we’re looking forward to the game on Saturday now."

On his own future, Carrick went on: "I don't need any assurances from anyone.

"I totally get the position. I understand the job, I understand the responsibilities, I understand what comes with that so I really don't need any assurances from anyone in that regard."

United are 16th in the league table after eight games, with their only win coming against Ipswich Town, and could finish the weekend in the relegation zone should they lose again away to Xabi Alonso's side.

After Chelsea, they host Roma in the Champions League, residing in 20th place in the league phase after three sets of fixtures.

Carrick, however, insists that the external noise is not affecting him deeply, and he is clear on the issues his team must fix to improve results.

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"Of course, that’s my responsibility, the players. The outside is not anything for me to focus on. I know what we can affect, I know what we need to improve," he added.

"I know as a group, leading the group what help they need, a bit of guidance at certain times, and dealing with certain things. That’s part of my direct role is them, who I care about and can affect most directly.

"And of course we spoke. We have meetings every single week, but some of the meetings go in different ways depending on results and the situation and the feeling.

"The boys, I have to say, they’re hungry. We’re hurting because we haven’t won enough football games. But there’s an intensity, a bit of an edge, a disappointment, a hunger to do better for sure."

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On the injury front, Carrick said that centre-forward Benjamin Sesko is going to remain absent "for a longer period of time", but added that England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training.

He revealed: "Kobbie has done a little bit of training yesterday [Wednesday], so he is back and around the group, so that is a positive."

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