Michael Carrick has refused to rule out dropping Bruno Fernandes for Bournemouth's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday after the Manchester United captain appeared to criticise his tactics following the defeat to Como.
Fernandes revealed in a post-match TV interview it was the decision of Carrick and his staff not to press Como man-for-man and suggested it had contributed to the heavy 4-1 defeat.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Carrick was asked whether he would consider dropping Fernandes or stripping him of the captaincy in the wake of his comments, but the United head coach chose to dodge the question.
"The most important thing for me is the team, first and foremost," said Carrick
"It's the squad, it's the dynamics in the squad. And again, it's about the football club. And I'll always do what's best for the football club."
Pushed on whether he had thought about removing Fernandes as captain, Carrick replied: "I'm just saying I'll always, whatever the situation is, I'll always do what's best for the football club."
He also refused to reveal anything about conversations between the pair since the game in Como.
"If I've spoken to him or haven't spoken to him, I don't think this is the time to go into too much detail," sald United boss
- Antonio Conte: 'No negotiations at advanced stage' amid Man United link
- Transfer rumors, news: Como's Paz destroyed Man United -- now they want to sign him
- Who's to blame for Man United mess: Carrick, the players ... Ratcliffe?
Fernandes is the second player to turn his fire on staff in as many weeks after Lisandro MartÃnez criticised director of football Jason Wilcox and the board.
It has prompted questions about divisions in the dressing room, but Carrick insists players and staff are on the same page.
"It's not divided, no, it's not divided," he said.
"We just need to get back to doing what we do best, and we will. We need to move forward in the right direction for sure. We need to do things to enable us to do that. So, it's pretty clear."
.
