Michael Carrick has issued a firm hands off warning over Bruno Fernandes, insisting United have “definitely” no intention of losing their captain .
The 31 year old produced another masterclass in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa, setting up two goals to take his season tally to 16 assists, just four shy of the Premier League record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne .
But behind the brilliance lurks a contract clause that allows Fernandes to leave for a foreign club for just £57m this summer . And an interview he gave in Portugal in December, where he claimed United wanted to sell him last year but lacked the courage to tell him, has cast doubt on his future .
CARRICK’S VERDICT
“In terms of the club and moving forward, it’s difficult for me to get involved in too much of that,” Carrick said after the Villa win. “Bruno’s definitely not someone we’d want to lose, I can say that. He’s important for us and he’s definitely one we wouldn’t want to lose.”
That’s as clear as it gets. United’s interim boss doesn’t want his captain going anywhere.
THE RECORD CHASE
Fernandes now has 16 assists for the season, with eight games remaining . Four more to equal Henry and De Bruyne. Five to break it outright.
With eight assists in his last 10 games , he’s in the form of his life. Carrick, though, is keeping perspective.
“I’d much rather the points and us win than that, so I don’t think it’s something you go chasing for, I think it happens naturally anyway, but yeah, if he does, then he’s obviously created goals for us, so we’ll be happy with that.”
THE IMPORTANCE
Fernandes reached a century of goals and assists for United in the Premier League era against Villa just the third player to do so . His understanding with Casemiro on set pieces was evident again, with Jonny Evans also involved.
“He has a really good understanding with Case and working with Jonny on the set plays,” Carrick noted. “There’s also the bit you can coach and then there’s a little bit of the players and the understanding.”
THE VERDICT
United are on track for Champions League football. Fernandes is playing the best football of his career. The £57m clause exists, but Carrick’s message is clear: he’s not for sale.
Whether that’s enough to convince the Portuguese to stay remains to be seen. But United are fighting to keep their captain. And that fight starts now.
