Carrick says Fernandes is "as good as ever" as Manchester United captain stays put

Michael Carrick says Bruno Fernandes' commitment to Manchester United is "undoubted", and that the captain is "as good as ever". The head coach made the comments as the midfielder works his way back to his best form, according to BBC Sport.

Fernandes will keep the captain's armband. Carrick confirmed that the Portuguese midfielder would remain as captain, Reuters reported on 29 October. The club's website carried a similar confirmation the following day.

The past few weeks have been bumpy. Fernandes went four Premier League games without scoring or assisting, according to Sky Sports. A goal involvement means a goal or an assist, the pass that sets one up. Fernandes is one of the club's most important players, so a quiet spell drew attention.

The trouble grew after a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como. Fernandes questioned the coaching staff's tactics afterwards, and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher criticised him for it, Sky Sports reported. Carrick then left Fernandes out of the side for a 3-0 defeat.

Fernandes accepted the decision. He said Carrick was right to drop him from the starting line-up, ESPN reported. He then returned to help inspire a 3-2 win over AS Roma in the Champions League, the competition that brings together the continent's strongest clubs.

His record for the club is strong. Fernandes has been involved in 200 goals for Manchester United, 104 of them scored himself, according to the club. He has also equalled the Premier League record for assists, the most in the competition's history. In a home win over Crystal Palace, he was named Man of the Match, the award given to the standout player of a game.

For supporters, the message from the manager is clear. Carrick is backing his captain, and the captain has answered on the pitch with a win in Europe. Whether that momentum carries into the league is the next test, with the next match bringing another chance to prove the point.