Exclusive to Michael Carrick: Manchester United caretaker manager talks about releasing Bruno Fernandes – ‘He suits a bit of freedom’

This breakthrough has completely changed the atmosphere around Old Trafford as United move up to fourth place and aim to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2023.

In an interview with Owen Hargreaves on TNT Sports’ The Breakdown, Carrick explored how a hands-off approach helped Fernandes rediscover his best form.

“Bruno can create moments, right?” Carrick said. “He’s smart, I think a little bit of freedom suits him, and he’s got a natural intellect.

“The game adapts, the game evolves. You can completely categorize him into a certain position and give him a little bit of freedom.

“We’ve known him for a long time and we know he has the skills and the attributes and the creativity, so let him be creative in the right places.

“He scored two goals the other day in different ways, a set piece and obviously a big moment for the winning goal. That’s what he does best.”

Under the former United midfielder, Fernandes has provided four assists in three games, including setting up Benjamin Sesco’s last-minute winner against Fulham to send Old Trafford into a frenzy.

Fernandes has provided five more assists than any other player in the Premier League this season and is at the top of the league for big chances created and important passes.

His prolific season saw his future called into question during the summer when he was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, but the Portugal international opted to stay.

“One of the most fun things to watch”

Each of United’s three victories under Carrick came in very different circumstances.

Despite being behind the table, they put in a dominant performance against City, coming from behind to win at the Emirates and take all three points.

It looked like our perfect run was coming to an end when we conceded two goals in the closing stages of the game against Fulham, but Sesco’s goal in stoppage time sealed victory.

Carrick was pleased with the unity his team showed after the whistle and believes the importance of the result goes beyond the number of points.

‘The players were fantastic’ – Carrick admits he’s proud of United’s stars after win at Arsenal

Video credit: SNTV

He said: “The players have to do it and the players are important. And it’s about balance and trying to get the balance right.”

“That was one of the most fun things to watch, how the group really came together and invested in it, and you can’t fake the emotion they had after the game.

“We’ve seen it over the years. Even if the team is doing well, some players won’t be happy if their mind isn’t in the right place at the time. But the players have been great, so we’ve got to keep building on that.”

“Sometimes a last-minute win makes you even more excited and brings you closer together. And you can feed off of that. And it feels like more than a win.”

“We have to give young people licenses.”

Carrick also explained that he is keen to instill more confidence in his team by taking a more liberal approach to match management.

Meanwhile, Carrick is looking to give his players license to play as they see fit on the pitch.

“We have top players, we have talented players, we have good defenders and there is an element of trust there,” he said.

“Sometimes you may dominate, sometimes you may struggle, but you have to find a way to win and give the players the license to do what they feel.

“I like to think we try to do that in different ways, and I think we all try to do that as coaches.”

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