Michael Carrick Praises Fernandes as Man Utd Face West Ham Challenge

Michael Carrick, Man United interim manager

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick praises Bruno Fernandes ahead of West Ham clash.

“I understand how much he's a really intelligent footballer, he's bright...”

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick is praising captain Bruno Fernandes ahead of their “difficult” clash against West Ham United at the London Stadium tonight. United is currently on a four-game unbeaten streak under Carrick, who took over from Ruben Amorim, and they're looking to maintain their top-four position, with Chelsea hot on their heels.

Carrick has high praise for Fernandes, calling him a “really intelligent footballer” who's been thriving under his guidance. Fernandes has been instrumental in United's recent success, with 10 goal involvements in his last eight away games. If he sets up a goal tonight, he'll break Ryan Giggs' record for most Premier League away assists by a Man Utd player in a single season.

Fluidity in attack 🔀

Watch Michael's pre-West Ham press conference now 🎙️👇

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 9, 2026

Michael Carrick heaped praise on Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, saying he's been thriving under his guidance. Fernandes recently reciprocated the love, predicting Carrick will become a great manager. With Fernandes leading the charge, United's looking strong in the top four chase. 

"I understand how much he's a really intelligent footballer, he's bright, he cares a lot for this club, so in terms of that side of it, we all want the same thing. 

“So, it's obviously nice when players that you respect, as I do with Bruno a lot, say good things about you, but ultimately it's about the team, getting the best out of the team, and actually that's all working together.  

“So, time will tell; it's not about judging how good or successful at this moment in time, because nothing's really happened yet. We've hopefully got a lot more to do between now and the end of the season, and see what happens after that.”

A midweek trip to the capital awaits 🏙️ pic.twitter.com/b8L72AQxWL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 9, 2026

West Ham Set to Put Up a Fight

West Ham is looking to bounce back with a fifth win from six games, having just moved closer to safety with a 2-0 win over Burnley. Interim manager Michael Carrick acknowledges they'll be “fighting” due to their low table position, making tonight's clash against Manchester United a tough one.

“We've got a lot to fight for, so you'd like to think that balances out in some ways, and it's who can come out on top at the end of it, but sure, we're totally aware of what we're going into on Tuesday night and how difficult it will be.”

Injury Wants to Play Spoilsport

Michael Carrick revealed Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt are unlikely to feature against West Ham as they recover behind the scenes. United's got some squad reshuffling to deal with before tonight's clash.

“Mason will be probably not for Tuesday, probably after, but definitely going into the Everton game, yeah, he'll be back.

“Matthijs, we'll see how he develops over the Everton game, which feels like a long time away at the moment, so we'll see how he develops. He's positive, he's moving in the right direction, but Mason's a little bit closer than him.