Michael Carrick Refuses to Confirm Bruno Fernandes Will Keep Man Utd Captaincy

Michael Carrick has refused to promise that Bruno Fernandes will keep the Manchester United captaincy, after the midfielder publicly questioned his tactical choices following a heavy defeat at Como.

The United boss was asked on Friday whether he might drop Fernandes or take the armband away ahead of Sunday's home game with Bournemouth at Old Trafford. He steered clear of a direct answer and talked about the bigger picture instead.

"The most important thing for me is the team, first and foremost," Carrick said. "It's the squad, it's the dynamics in the squad. And again, it's about the football club. And I'll always do what's best for the football club."

He went on: "I'm just saying I'll always, whatever the situation is, I'll always do what's best for the football club. If I've spoken to him or haven't spoken to him, I don't think this is the time to go into too much detail."

The row comes after United lost 4-1 to Como. In a TV interview after the game, Fernandes spoke openly about the tactical plan. He said Carrick and his staff had decided not to press the Italian side man-for-man, and he suggested that choice played a big part in the heavy loss.

Fernandes is not the only United player to speak out lately. Lisandro Martinez recently aimed his frustration at director of football Jason Wilcox and the club's board. Two outbursts in a short space of time have raised questions about a split in the dressing room, but Carrick would have none of it.

"It's not divided, no, it's not divided," he insisted. "We just need to get back to doing what we do best, and we will. We need to move forward in the right direction for sure. We need to do things to enable us to do that. So, it's pretty clear."

United now have to put the arguments behind them quickly. The Bournemouth game gives them a big chance to answer the Como result, and Carrick will want a solid, united showing on the pitch to quieten the noise around the club.