Carrick leaves Fernandes' United status unresolved

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick declined to say whether Bruno Fernandes would be dropped or stripped of the captaincy after the midfielder criticised the team’s tactics following its defeat by Como. Carrick said his priority was the club and its squad, leaving both decisions open ahead of Sunday’s match against Bournemouth. Fernandes questioned United’s approach to pressing opponents in a post-match interview after the loss. He said the team should press more aggressively and put responsibility for the tactical approach on the manager and coaching staff. The comments prompted questions about whether he would face a sporting consequence or lose the captain’s armband. Asked about Fernandes’s status at a Friday press conference, Carrick said he would do what was best for the football club and did not go into detail. He gave no assurance that Fernandes would retain the captaincy or be selected against Bournemouth, and did not announce disciplinary action. Carrick also rejected the suggestion that the dressing room was divided. He said conversations were ongoing, but did not specify whether he had spoken directly with Fernandes about the interview. His remarks described...