According to a post by Fabrizio Romano on X on Friday, October 23, 2026, Michael Carrick has declined to give a direct commitment on whether he would remove Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United captain following the midfielder's public questioning of his tactics.

Carrick, who has emphasised the importance of putting Manchester United ahead of individual interests, said his decisions would be guided by what he considers best for the club.

Asked whether Fernandes could lose the captaincy over his public comments about his tactical approach, the former United midfielder focused on the team's interests rather than confirming any disciplinary action against the Portuguese international.

"The most important thing for me is the team. What is best is what is for the club, I will always do what is best for the club," Carrick said.

His response leaves the question of Fernandes' captaincy unresolved, with Carrick not explicitly confirming whether the midfielder would retain the armband or face any consequences for his remarks.

Fernandes has been an important figure at Manchester United since joining the club from Sporting CP in January 2020. The Portugal international was appointed captain in July 2023, taking over the role from Harry Maguire.

Known for his leadership and involvement in United's attacking play, Fernandes has regularly carried significant responsibility for the team. His position as captain makes his relationship with the manager an important aspect of the club's dressing-room dynamics.

Carrick's comments also reflect the principle he has outlined in previous remarks about Manchester United's identity. He has stressed that the club must always come before individual players or managers, citing the examples set by former managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby.

Rather than making the captaincy dispute about personal disagreements, Carrick reiterated that the team's interests would guide his decisions.

His statement does not confirm that Fernandes will be stripped of the captaincy, nor does it establish that the midfielder will face disciplinary action. The central question remains whether Carrick believes a change in leadership would serve Manchester United's interests.

For now, the manager's position is that decisions concerning players and leadership must be made with the club's overall interests in mind.