Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes heaped praise on interim manager Michael Carrick following a commanding 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. The win, secured by goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Fernandes himself, extended the Red Devils’ winning streak to four games and solidified their push for a Premier League top-four spot.
The match was effectively decided in the 29th minute when Tottenham defender Cristian Romero was sent off for a reckless challenge on Casemiro. Playing against ten men for over an hour, Manchester United dominated possession, firing 28 shots at goal while maintaining a fourth consecutive clean sheet.
Mbeumo and Fernandes Strike
United broke the deadlock nine minutes after the red card. A cleverly worked corner routine found its way to Bryan Mbeumo, who curled a superb left-footed strike into the net from inside the box. The goal was a reward for the intense high press that Carrick has implemented, and it highlighted Mbeumo’s growing tendency to perform in big fixtures.
The points were sealed late on when Fernandes put the result beyond doubt. In the 81st minute, Diogo Dalot provided a pinpoint cross, and the Portuguese midfielder controlled the ball expertly before slotting a right-footed finish past Guglielmo Vicario. It was a moment of personal relief for Fernandes, who had recently voiced concerns over a goal drought, and it took his goal contributions for the season to 22.
“He Knows What It Means to Win”
Speaking after the match, an emotional Fernandes—reportedly brought to tears at the final whistle—was named Man of the Match and wasted no time in crediting the manager for the team’s turnaround. He revealed that Carrick’s arrival brought a renewed sense of belief and tactical clarity.
“Michael Carrick came in with the right ideas of giving the players the responsibility and freedom,” Fernandes told reporters. “He’s very good with words… I was sure he would be a good manager and he has shown it.”
The captain emphasized that Carrick’s pedigree as a winner has been vital for the dressing room. “Michael Carrick has won everything. He knows what it means to the fans… He knows what it’s like to win. He knows the expectations. That brings something special to the team.”
Intensity and Sacrifice
Fernandes also shed light on the tactical shift under Carrick, noting that the team is now focused on high-intensity pressing. “The manager wants to be intense, wants to play with high pressure to try and be as high up the pitch as possible,” he explained. “Whenever we recover the ball, we are closer to the goal.”
Despite being the star man, Fernandes was keen to highlight his willingness to adapt for the team. Addressing his role, he stated, “I am a hard worker; I have to work hard. It was my way to play always since I was a kid… I understand my position, so I know when some players are on the pitch I respect their positions. I don’t have problems to sacrifice myself to get the best out of my teammates.”
With the Champions League race heating up, the synergy between manager and captain appears to be driving Manchester United back to their best at a critical juncture in the season.
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