Fernandes urges Manchester United to build on Roma victory after difficult spell

Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 comeback against Roma was not about protecting manager Michael Carrick’s position, but about giving the whole club a much-needed lift.

United came into Tuesday’s Champions League league-phase meeting having gone nine matches without a win in all competitions. That run had increased pressure on Carrick, with speculation growing over his future at the club.

Asked by Amazon Prime whether the victory had been secured to save the manager’s job, United captain Fernandes said: “No, we didn’t need to save anyone’s job. The club needed this win, the players needed it, and it was something we needed as a group of players and staff.”

United had to recover from a difficult period to claim the points against Roma, and Fernandes said the surrounding speculation had made the situation harder.

“We made a great effort to get out of this situation,” he added, as reported by Sky Sports. “It was difficult, there was a lot of speculation in the media and many lies were spread about several things that happened inside the club.

“But everything between me and the manager was clear, and nothing happened of what was being reported.”

Fernandes also addressed his omission from the starting line-up for the Premier League match against Bournemouth. The Portugal international said Carrick’s decision was based on his performances rather than a disagreement between the two men.

“The manager decided to leave me out because I wasn’t performing at the level required,” Fernandes said. “Everyone felt it was a punishment for what I had said” – a reference to comments he made after the match against Como.

“If that was the case, then it was the right decision.”

The midfielder said he accepted that Carrick and the coaching staff had the authority to make such calls, insisting the decision had not affected his confidence in those around him.

“The manager makes the decisions, and I have to accept them and move forward based on them,” he said. “That doesn’t change my belief in the manager, the coaching staff or any player at this club.”

Fernandes added that his ambition remained unchanged despite the recent setbacks.

“It doesn’t change my goal of winning every match ahead of me,” he said.

The captain hopes the comeback against Roma will mark a significant change in United’s season.

“It should be a turning point,” he said.

Roma’s next listed Serie A fixture is against Sassuolo on 07 November 2026. Manchester United are due to face Aston Villa in the Premier League on 08 November 2026.