Manchester United’s problem of not having enough leaders seems to have truly disappeared, if Michael Carrick’s latest comments are an indication.
It is an open secret that Man Utd’s dressing room culture has been reset by Ineos, helped partly by Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag.
The effect of the same is reflected in the mentality of the squad, as they seem more together, in win or defeat.
Nobody personifies this change more than a player who ‘wants the best’ from everyone, setting the standards at the club by earning everyone’s respect.
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Michael Carrick details Bruno Fernandes’ role
Bruno Fernandes has been a part of many dressing rooms at Carrington, from the time when it was considered complicated to the current professional scenario.
However, he hasn’t let his surroundings affect him. Rather, he has been a driver for positive change since coming to Old Trafford.
Now that the dressing room is a professional place on its own, Fernandes’ influence is even clearer to see.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Carrick detailed the length and breadth of Fernandes’ role at the club as someone who drives standards every day.
He said: “Bruno just wants the best, you know, and the best from everyone, and he does it with great intentions to help everyone.
“Bruno’s taking that [elder statesman role] on and the boys respect him and listen to him and understand that he’s trying to help them and get the best of the team.”
Carrick’s point has been backed up by many players, from Benjamin Sesko stressing how Fernandes is on his case, to the youngsters crediting him for making their transition to the senior team easier.
Man Utd almost lost Fernandes
Considering all that he has done this season, it is insane to look back at the start of the season and remember that Man Utd almost lost Fernandes.
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Ineos were willing to sell their captain after a lucrative bid from Saudi Arabia, something which infuriated the player so much he accused the owners of ‘lacking courage’ in an explosive interview.
In a single season, Fernandes has gone from being expendable to becoming untouchable, with Ineos pleading with him to stay as they build a potentially title-winning squad.
The thought of Fernandes not being at the heart of this team is unfathomable now after a summer of turmoil at the start of this season.
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