Michael Carrick maintains he will “do what is best for this football club” after being pushed over Bruno Fernandes’ future as Manchester United captain.
The Portuguese’s astonishing outburst in Como following a humiliating Champions League defeat, questioning Carrick’s strategy and the team’s decision to press against the Italians.
Speculation has followed over whether Fernandes will face internal discipline, just a week after Lisandro Martinez’s criticism of the club.
But Carrick remains defiant and urged his group to show resiliency, though he stopped short of confirming his decision over Fernandes for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth, instead sharing a mysterious stance over his latest problem.
“The most important thing is the team and the dynamics of the squad and the football club and I always do what is best for the club,” Carrick noted.
“Whatever the situation is I will do what is best for the football club.
”If I have spoken to him or I haven’t spoken to him, I don’t think this is the time to go into too much detail.”
Carrick then reiterated how the club must revert back to its values and show how resilient they can be after a torrid run of form.
“It's important to recognise we haven't been doing it,” Carrick added. “The foundation of the football club, the values of the football club have been put down for many years. I understand and get every one of them. It's humility, hard work and being proud to live up to the values.
“There's a resilience about this club that's been there for a long time. It runs very deep, I've seen it with my own eyes, I've felt it.
“We can never lose that, it inspires me a lot to live up to that. We’ve shown it, for a good period of time, we’re capable of it, it’s a moment where it’s not gone well. Respect what it takes to win. I’m not entitled to be here, that cannot be at this football club, it doesn’t mean you’re entitled to win. It takes hard work and sacrifice.”
United are seven games without a win in all competitions and sit 13th in the Premier League with the Cherries visiting Old Trafford on Sunday following a 4-4 draw in the same fixture last season.