Bruno Fernandes Reflects on Changes at Manchester United Under Michael Carrick
Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, has shared his thoughts on the differences at the club under Michael Carrick compared to Ruben Amorim’s tenure. The 31-year-old has played a key role in leading the team up to third place in the league under the interim manager, who has secured seven wins out of ten matches.
Fernandes believes that the team is now more compact and more willing to endure difficult moments during games. Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, he said: ‘He changed some players, the positions of some players, you try different formations and at the end of the day you start scoring goals.’
In terms of creating chances, Fernandes noted that the team was near the top when Amorim was in charge but struggled to finish their opportunities. He added: ‘We were probably one of the best teams at not allowing teams in our box but when we did we would concede more goals.’
He continued: ‘We started to be more compact when we have to defend and understand we have moments when we have to suffer when we’re not in an excellent moment, let’s say.’
Fernandes also highlighted the importance of the two big games that followed Carrick’s appointment. He said: ‘I wouldn’t say it was lucky but it was good for us that we had two big games straight away. I think if you win against Man City and then have to face Arsenal who are top of the league and very difficult to play at the Emirates, you could think “it’s going to be fine, we’re playing great football now, we’re going to win”.’
He added: ‘We found a way of winning games and sometimes big clubs need to find a way of winning games whether it’s pretty or not.’
A Star Performer and PFA Contender
Fernandes is among the contenders for the PFA Player of the Year award this season and has been in outstanding form. He has scored eight goals and provided 16 assists in the Premier League this term, with seven games left to play.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, and he has also given an interesting answer when asked which club legend he would choose to play with now. Instead of selecting iconic figures like Eric Cantona or Roy Keane, he chose his current boss, Carrick.
Explaining his choice, Fernandes said: ‘It is going to sound strange but I’ve said it many times… Michael Carrick. I trained with him when he was here under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and sometimes he was with us as a No 6 to bring the ball between the lines and he was great, as a No 10 you want that ball to come to you as fast as possible, he was incredible in timing the passes, control and pass.’
He added: ‘Sometimes it’s not about having the ball for so long but about finding your team-mate as free as possible, for me as a No 10 that’s perfect.’
A Thriving Role and Future Uncertainty
Having been deployed in an uncomfortable deeper role under Amorim at times, Fernandes is now thriving as the team’s most creative outlet. He has one season remaining on his contract and has a £56.68 million release clause that can be triggered by foreign clubs.
The Portuguese star was the subject of interest from Saudi clubs last summer, which could be revisited at the end of the season. 
