We don't need to save anyone's job, says Man Utd captain Fernandes

What the report says

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes said the team’s comeback victory over Roma should not be framed as an attempt to protect anyone’s position. Speaking after United recovered from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the Champions League, Fernandes said the squad needed the result for itself and that the players were not trying to “save” a job. The comments came as United ended a nine-match winless run and eased some of the pressure surrounding manager Michael Carrick.

Fernandes, who had recently been left out after publicly questioning Carrick’s tactics following a heavy loss at Como, returned to the side for the Premier League defeat by Chelsea. Against Roma, his penalty shortly after half-time helped start the turnaround. The BBC reported that this was Fernandes’ first media appearance since being benched, and he addressed speculation about tension with the manager.

He said reports about the relationship between him and Carrick had been exaggerated, adding that the pair had cleared the air. Fernandes also accepted that the manager has the authority to pick the team and stressed that his confidence in Carrick, the staff and his teammates had not changed. More broadly, the remarks underline the scrutiny around United’s recent form and the importance of the win as they try to steady their season.