Arabic version: فرنانديز ينفي تقارير الخلاف مع كاريك بعد العودة أمام روما

According to BBC News, Bruno Fernandes said “a lot of lies” had been reported about his relationship with Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick after the club’s 3-2 comeback win over Roma. Fernandes addressed the media for the first time since he was dropped to the bench following his public criticism of Carrick’s tactics after a 4-1 defeat at Como.

The 32-year-old captain was restored to the side for the Premier League loss to Chelsea and converted a 58th-minute penalty against Roma. The goal began United’s second-half recovery from 2-0 down at Old Trafford. Fernandes said speculation had surrounded reports that he and Carrick had cleared the air, followed by his omission because of his performances.

“That’s fair,” Fernandes told Amazon Prime, adding that the manager makes the decisions. He said it did not change his belief in Carrick, the staff or the players, nor his aim of winning every game ahead. Asked whether the Roma result would save Carrick’s job, Fernandes said: “We don’t need to save anyone’s job.” He said the club and players needed the win after working hard to improve their situation together.

The victory ended United’s nine-game winless run and eased pressure on Carrick. Former Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel told BBC Radio 5 Live that he hoped United and Carrick could draw a line under the public discussion and return to winning. Carrick had won 12 of 17 games last season to guide United back into the Champions League and received a two-year contract, but the team sit 17th in the Premier League with one win from nine opening matches. The Roma comeback was United’s second victory in four Champions League games and lifted them to 17th in the league-phase table.