Michael Carrick has helped Bruno Fernandes to hit a hot streak at just the right time for Manchester United.
Bruno Fernandes‘ unstoppable creative form has helped to propel Manchester United towards Champions League qualification.
United are in third place heading into Monday night’s home fixture with Brentford, and Michael Carrick has been discussing the in-form attacker.
Where does playing Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role rank among Ruben Amorim’s mistakes?
Michael Carrick on Bruno Fernandes
Michael Carrick spoke at his press conference as United prepare to face Brentford. He explained that the key to getting the best out of Fernandes has been playing him in a more attacking role.
Carrick says that he still asks Fernandes to work defensively and he has been happy with his contribution from that aspect, but he knows that attack is where the captain is most effective.
He said: “I think giving Bruno the platform to go and perform, like all the players. I think we’re trying to create the structure and a team set-up, really, to try to bring out the best of everyone within that.
“There are obviously limitations in terms of, everyone’s got to sacrifice a little bit for the good of the team. But, for me, I like seeing Bruno in attacking positions with a little bit of freedom.
“He obviously, again, plays for the team and he has a big responsibility within that and I thought he did that ever so well, especially on Saturday, without the ball, and the defensive work that he did.”
Carrick spoke about Fernandes’ intelligence, citing it as one of his key traits.
“He’s a very good player, he sees things, he’s creative, he’s got a really good brain, he’s a big part of the group as well and a big influence.
“So, a lot of it’s in trust and trying to put him in a position where we think he can make the biggest difference really.”
The backdrop to Carrick’s arrival saw Fernandes used in a deeper role under former head coach Ruben Amorim.
Fernandes made the best of his situation, it’s impossible to limit his impact totally, but it was quite clearly not the best use of him.
The Portugal international is creating more chances per game under Carrick, delivering eight assists in 12 matches.
Carrick’s actions with Fernandes have been spot on so far, he is giving him a combination of freedom and responsibility, and his explanation perfectly details why; it is a relationship based on trust.
Fernandes clearly believes in Carrick’s management, shown by his commitment on the pitch, while the United maestro remains a key starter in every single game.
ANOTHER assist for Bruno Fernandes! Surely now he breaks the record!!!
Carrick relationship with Fernandes has helped
Michael Carrick was the Manchester United assistant coach when Manchester United signed Bruno Fernandes in January 2020.
He helped him settle into the club and witnessed what an immediate impact he had, following his transfer from Sporting.
This relationship has helped both coach and player following Carrick’s return to the dugout at Old Trafford.
He explained: “I’ve known Bruno a long time and worked with him when he was here, when he came to the club, so again, it hasn’t surprised me. I knew exactly what he could bring.
“I think, over time, you kind of evolve and experience helps and you can certainly see that he’s grown as well in a real positive way.
“He’s just a big influence, he’s had a big impact and he’s playing ever so well at the moment, so we’re delighted with that.”
Fernandes has 18 assists this season, and needs only three more to set an outright Premier League record.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
