Bruno Fernandes says he sees a ‘great future’ for departing Manchester United legend Michael Carrick, but concedes he was ‘mad’ with his now former coach during the early stages of his caretaker reign.
The 40-year-old announced his exit after last night’s 3-2 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford, a win which signalled the end of a three-match tenure during which he has steadied the ship after the sacking of Solskjaer.
Carrick had impressed during his short stint and made some bold selection decisions. The former United player dropped Cristiano Ronaldo to the bench for the game at Chelsea and also took Fernandes out of his starting lineup for the key Champions League group stage match at Villarreal 10 days ago.
- Frank Lampard feared meeting Man Utd star after criticism
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic names the greatest player ever
- Thiago Silva names Chelsea academy star as ‘the future of the club’
The Portuguese playmaker, who ended his 15-match run without a goal against Arsenal, conceded he was livid with Carrick at the time but they are parting ways on better terms.
He said: ‘I was really mad at him [Michael Carrick] in Villarreal but that’s the life of a coach. I see a great future for him as a coach. He knows how to speak to players. If he gets a chance he can be a top coach.’
Fernandes passed up the chance to score the winning goal against the Gunners by allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to take the penalty that settled an absorbing contest.
Explaining that decision, Fernandes said: ‘We didn’t have a chat. I missed the last one so I trust him in the same way I trust myself.
‘It was time for Cristiano to take the penalty because I took the last one and missed it. It doesn’t matter who gets on the penalty.’
Ralf Rangnick, meanwhile, will begin work officially as United’s interim head coach on Friday after the German watched his new side from the stands last night.
On the German’s appointment, Fernandes added: ‘Everyone is looking forward to work with the new coach. When someone new comes in there’s new opportunities.
‘Everyone has the chance to get a position. Everyone has to work hard to get the chance to be in the first XI. We will meet him tomorrow and start working on the next game.’
