Michael Carrick should threat upsetting Bruno Fernandes as Man Utd concern clear
Bruno Fernandes has clocked up 27,863 minutes of play since his transfer to Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon.
Only a select few players, including some goalkeepers, from Europe’s top five leagues have seen more game time than Fernandes during this period. Fernandes has shown remarkable consistency, but with his 32nd birthday approaching next month, he won’t be able to maintain such high performance levels if Michael Carrick doesn’t manage his playing time.
Fernandes is known for giving his all for United, but the club aims to maximise his contribution in a sustainable manner. This implies that he will need to be rested for certain matches in the upcoming season.
Michael Carrick will have to monitor Bruno Fernandes’ minutes(Image: 2026 Allstar)
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After defeating Brighton on the final day of last season, Carrick humorously revealed that Fernandes had requested to stay on the pitch for the entire match. He’d already smashed the assist record but was hungry for more.
Fernandes is a true football enthusiast, often catching academy games from the team hotel when United are playing away. He always wants to remain on the pitch, but Carrick will need to make the call for him next season.
“He’s been a big part of the team and the club over recent times and had a huge impact, so he’ll continue to do that,” Carrick stated at a press conference on Thursday.
“In terms of the games and how it comes, hopefully he stays fit and he’s in good shape. But yeah, there’s the element talking about the squad and the depth, and as we go through the season and the waves and the momentum and keeping the boys in good form, but keeping them fresh as well.
Fernandes failed to show his class against Hull(Image: Molly Darlington, Getty Images)
“So Bruno’s part of that, you know. He’s a big player for us, he’s obviously our captain, but there’s still elements where we need to look after him.”
The challenge Carrick faces is that Fernandes is his most pivotal player, and he operates in the area which “connects” the team, in the United manager’s own words.
“You could argue both ends of the pitch are more important, if not more important, but the midfield connects the whole team together and has a big say on how the team performs with and without the ball,” he said.
“I think it gives you the foundation of the team, you know. I think the foundation of the team is important to be consistent, to be consistent through one game from start to finish, to be consistent over a period of time.
“I think you need a solid foundation through the middle of the team, trying to put it together, and getting that balance. But certainly, I think if you look at all the top teams over the years, all the great teams over the years, the spine of the team is really strong, you know.
“So we’re conscious of that, and I think we’ve got a good spine of the team right now. We can keep improving as we go in different ways and coaching and helping the boys and developing them, and I think we’re in a good place.”
While Fernandes will not wish to be rested, Carrick will need to have a word with him and highlight the broader perspective. United have become far too dependent on Fernandes since his arrival at the club, but Carrick must discover a method to secure victories without him in the starting XI.
The positive news is that United’s midfield will appear more robust than it has for several years if Carlos Baleba can be brought in. The Reds have strengthened in that area, which reduces the pressure on Fernandes’ shoulders.
