Bruno Fernandes hoping Michael Carrick can take Man Utd back to the top

By Simon Peach, Press Association Chief Football Writer

Bruno Fernandes says he is “here to serve” Manchester United and hopes Michael Carrick can take them to back to the top of the Premier League.

A broad agreement was struck for the 44-year-old to stay on as Red Devils boss over the weekend, but the wait for a deal to be announced will continue beyond Wednesday, the Press Association understands.

United sources indicate it remains a matter of when rather than if things are wrapped up with Carrick, who was in London on Tuesday to hand over the Football Writers’ Association Football of the Year award to skipper Fernandes.

The 31-year-old equalled the single-season Premier League record of 20 assists in Sunday’s 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, where the crowd sang the head coach’s name.

Fernandes said of the impending long-term appointment Carrick: “I spoke a lot of times about him.

“I already said many things about how good he could be as a manager in the past, so I think those words are still there.

“Obviously, it’s not in my hands deciding who’s going to be the next manager. I’m here to serve the club, whether that is a manager that comes in, or if he stays, I will serve them in the same way.”

Asked if Carrick could get United back to the Premier League summit, the United skipper said: “I hope so, if he stays.

Among the greats. ✨

Bruno Fernandes goes level with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne for the most assists in a Premier League season. pic.twitter.com/Syj0HGONKt

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 17, 2026

“I hope he’s one that can take us back to the top of the Premier League because this is what all the players want.”

United round off their 40-game season – their shortest campaign in 111 years – with a trip to Brighton on Sunday.

Carrick heads to the south coast having won 11 of his 16 matches in charge since Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious January exit.