Fernandes: Manchester United’s win over Roma was not about saving anyone’s job

Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 comeback against Roma in the Champions League was not intended to save manager Michael Carrick’s job, but was instead a much-needed victory for the entire club.

The United captain said the team needed the result to rebuild confidence and move beyond a difficult period. The win came in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase, after United had gone nine matches in all competitions without a victory.

That run had increased pressure on Carrick, with speculation mounting over his position before the meeting with Roma.

Asked by Amazon Prime whether the victory had been needed to protect the manager, Fernandes said: “No, we did not 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.”

Fernandes said the squad had worked hard to overcome its problems, while also criticising reports about events at the club.

“We put in a lot of effort to get out of this situation,” he added, as quoted 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 none of what was being reported happened.”

The midfielder also addressed his omission from the starting line-up for Manchester United’s Premier League match against Bournemouth. He 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 was not performing at the level required,” said Fernandes. “Everyone felt it was punishment for what I had said, referring to my comments after the Como match, and if that was the case, it was the right decision.”

Fernandes said he accepted that the manager had the authority to make such decisions and insisted the episode had not affected his relationship with Carrick, the coaching staff or his team-mates.

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

He added: “It does not change my objective of winning every match that comes my way.”

Fernandes hopes the victory over Roma can mark a significant change in Manchester United’s season.

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

Roma are listed to face Sassuolo in Serie A on 07 November 2026, while Manchester United are scheduled to play Aston Villa in the Premier League on 08 November 2026.